Candidemia in the intensive care unit: A 12-year retrospective cohort study in Reunion Island

Abstract Objectives We aimed to describe the epidemiology of Candida bloodstream infection in an intensive care unit (ICU) in Reunion Island. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study and evaluated 63 candidemia episodes, which occurred between January 2004 and December 2015 in the ICU of a University Hospital in St-Pierre. Results The incidence rate of candidemia in the ICU was estimated at 7.6%. Candida albicans was the most common yeast pathogen species recovered (54%), followed by Candida glabrata (17%), Candida tropicalis (12%) and Candida parapsilosis (10%). Between 2012 and 2015, we also observed a modification of antifungal use. Conclusion The epidemiology of candidemia in Reunion Island is characterized by the predominance of Candida albicans and by the relative importance of Candida tropicalis. This pattern corresponds to a model of epidemiological transition between the one usually observed in tropical areas and the one observed in temperate countries.