Candida albicans Transmission in COVID-19 ICU Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Skóra Magdalena, Rosam Katharina, Namysł Magdalena, Sepioło Anna, Gajda Mateusz, Jędras Justyna, Krzyściak Paweł, Zorska Joanna, Wordliczek Jerzy, Heczko Piotr B., Würzner Reinhard, Lackner Michaela, Wójkowska-Mach Jadwiga
Primary Institution: Jagiellonian University Medical College
Hypothesis
Is there horizontal transmission of Candida albicans among COVID-19 patients in the ICU?
Conclusion
The study indicates that Candida albicans strains can spread horizontally among patients in the ICU.
Supporting Evidence
- C. albicans strains were separated into 13 different groups according to their RAPD pattern.
- Two predominant clonal clusters of 17 strains from 12 patients and 12 strains from 7 patients were identified.
- All C. albicans strains were sensitive to antifungal drugs tested.
Takeaway
Doctors found that a type of fungus called Candida albicans can spread from one sick person to another in the hospital, especially during COVID-19.
Methodology
The study collected and genotyped 59 C. albicans strains from 36 patients using RAPD and tested antifungal susceptibility.
Potential Biases
Limited clinical data and lack of information on patient interactions may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study was retrospective and did not include environmental or medical personnel studies due to insufficient data.
Participant Demographics
Patients were hospitalized in the ICU with severe COVID-19 infection.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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