Candidaemia in adult cancer patients: Risks for fluconazole-resistant isolates and death

Abstract

Background: Candidaemia in cancer patients is associated with increasing fluconazole resistance. Models for predicting such isolates and their clinical impact are required. Methods: Clinical, treatment and outcome data from a population-based candidaemia survey (2001-2004) were collected at 5 and 30 days after diagnosis. Speciation and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed. Results: There were 138 candidaemia episodes (33% Candida albicans) in adults with haematological malignancies and 150 (51% C. albicans) in adults with solid organ malignancies. Thirty-nine isolates had fluconazole MICs of ≥64 mg/L and 40 had MICs of 16-32 mg/L (predominantly Candida glabrata and Candida krusei)..