Candida auris infections in ICU patients: risk factors, outcomes, and antifungal resistance patterns.

BACKGROUND

Candida auris has emerged as a major nosocomial pathogen in intensive care units worldwide due to its multidrug resistance, environmental persistence, and high transmission potential. While several outbreak reports exist, there remains limited comparative data on clinical features, resistance profiles, and outcomes between Candida auris and non-auris Candida candidemia, particularly in Indian ICU settings. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, antifungal resistance, and clinical outcomes of Candida auris bloodstream infections in comparison to non-auris Candida infections among ICU patients.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted over four years (January 2020–December 2023) in the ICU of a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. Adult patients (≥ 18 years) with culture-confirmed candidemia were included and stratified into Candida auris and non-auris groups. Demographic, clinical, therapeutic, and microbiological data were extracted. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed as per CLSI and CDC guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression identified risk factors associated with Candida auris infection. Survival analysis were compared using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 267 ICU patients with candidemia, 38 (14.2%) had Candida auris infection. Candida auris patients were older (median age 60 vs. 53 years) and had lower SOFA scores at admission (median 7 vs. 8; p = 0.02). On multivariate analysis, increasing age (OR 1.10, p = 0.0003) and female sex (OR 16.35, p = 0.012) were independently associated with Candida auris infection. Fluconazole resistance was 94.7% in Candida auris isolates, with amphotericin B and echinocandin resistance in 39.5% and 7.9%, respectively. ICU mortality did not differ significantly between Candida auris and non-auris groups (31.6% vs. 34.5%; p = 0.854), and survival analysis showed no statistically significant difference (log-rank p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the growing burden of Candida auris in intensive care unit settings, demonstrating a substantial incidence without increased mortality compared to non-auris Candida species. Advancing age and female sex emerged as significant independent risk factors, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance and targeted risk assessment in regions where Candida auris is endemic.