Candidemia in Norway (1991 to 2003): results from a nationwide study

J Clin Microbiol. 2006 Jun;44(6):1977-81. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00029-06.

Abstract

A long-term, nationwide prospective candidemia study has been ongoing in Norway since 1991. All medical microbiological laboratories in the country have participated. During the period 1991 to 2003 a total of 1,393 episodes of candidemia occurred in 1,348 patients. The incidence of candidemia episodes per 100,000 inhabitants increased from approximately 2 episodes in the early 1990s to 3 episodes in 2001 to 2003. The average annual incidences varied markedly between the age groups. The incidence was high in patients aged < 1 year and in patients aged > or = 70 years. In patients > or = 80 years of age, the incidence has increased during the last 3 years from an annual average of 6.5 to 15.6 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 2003. Four Candida species (C. albicans [70%], C. glabrata [13%], C. tropicalis [7%], and C. parapsilosis [6%]) accounted for 95.5% of the isolates. The species distribution has been constant during the 13-year study period. The distribution of the most important species varied with the age of the patient. In patients < 1 year of age, the majority of episodes were caused by C. albicans (91%). The occurrence of C. glabrata increased with age. In patients > or = 80 years of age, approximately 1/3 of all episodes were due to this species. All C. albicans strains were susceptible to fluconazole. The percentage of yeast isolates with decreased susceptibility to fluconazole (MICs > or = 16 microg/ml) was 10.7% during the first period of this study (1991 to 1996) and 11.7% during the second period (1997 to 2003).

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Candida / classification
  • Candida / drug effects
  • Candida / isolation & purification*
  • Candida albicans / classification
  • Candida albicans / drug effects
  • Candida albicans / isolation & purification
  • Candidiasis / epidemiology*
  • Candidiasis / microbiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Fluconazole / pharmacology
  • Fungemia / epidemiology*
  • Fungemia / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Middle Aged
  • Norway / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Fluconazole