First Cases of Candida dubliniensis Fungemia in North America
Author Information
Author(s): Mary E. Brandt, Lee H. Harrison, Margaret Pass, Andre N. Sofair, Sharon Huie, Ren-Kai Li, Christine J. Morrison, David W. Warnock, Rana A. Hajjeh
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Hypothesis
Can Candida dubliniensis cause bloodstream infections in humans?
Conclusion
C. dubliniensis can cause bloodstream infections, as demonstrated by the first four reported cases in North America.
Supporting Evidence
- C. dubliniensis was isolated from the blood cultures of four patients.
- All isolates were susceptible to commonly used antifungal drugs.
- Two patients had end-stage liver disease, a known risk factor for bloodstream infections.
- This is the first reported case of bloodstream infection with C. dubliniensis in an HIV-infected person.
Takeaway
Doctors found a new type of yeast called C. dubliniensis in the blood of four sick people, showing it can make people very ill.
Methodology
Blood cultures were collected from patients with symptoms of septicemia and analyzed for the presence of Candida species.
Limitations
The incidence of C. dubliniensis candidemia is not well known due to difficulties in distinguishing it from C. albicans.
Participant Demographics
Patients included two black men, one black woman, and one white woman, with ages ranging from 30 to 74 years.
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