Nosocomial Fungemia in a Large Community Teaching Hospital

This report reviews 48 episodes of hospital-acquired fungemia that occurred over a four-year period at a large community teaching hospital. The incidence of hospital-acquired fungemia increased eightfold during the study period. Candida albicans (58%), Candida tropicalis (25%), and Candida parapsilosis (15%) were the most common fungal pathogens isolated from blood cultures. Twenty-one patients (44%) had concomitant bacteremia. Intravascular catheters (100%), antibiotic administration (98%), urinary catheters (81%), surgical procedures (65%), parenteral alimentation (60%), and corticosteroid administration (54%) were the most common predisposing factors. The overall mortality rate was 75%. Hospitalization on the medical service, age greater than 60 years, and hospital stay less than 100 days were associated with a significantly increased mortality rate.