Yeast Spectrum and antifungal susceptibility in a Hospital in Southwestern China: A retrospective Study (2020-2024).

The purpose of this study was to investigate the etiological spectrum of yeast isolates and the sensitivity to antifungal drugs in our hospital, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective analysis was conducted from Jan 2020 to Dec 2024, focusing on the results of fungal culture and identification from specimens in our hospital. For the genus Candida, the sensitivity to several antifungal drugs was assessed using the microdilution method (ATB Fungus 3). During the five-y study period, a total of 5776 fungal strains were identified, with Candida species being the most common. Antifungal susceptibility tests revealed differences in the sensitivity of Candida species to various antifungal drugs. Specifically, Candida species exhibited higher sensitivity to amphotericin B, while their sensitivity to itraconazole was relatively lower. C. albicans showed a temporary increase in resistance to certain antifungals (e.g., voriconazole and itraconazole) during 2022-2023, this trend was not sustained in 2024. While the fluctuation in resistance trends of non - albicans Candida species is normal. In conclusion, the changing resistance patterns and underlying mechanisms of Candida albicans warrant close attention. More caution should be exercised in selecting appropriate drugs for the clinical treatment of Candida species.