Candidemia chronicles: Retrospective analysis of candidemia epidemiology, species distribution, and antifungal susceptibility patterns in Bahrain.

Background: Invasive fungal infections, particularly candidemia, pose significant clinical challenges globally. Understanding local epidemiology, species distribution, and antifungal susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective management despite regional variations.

Aim: To investigate the epidemiology, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility patterns, and associated risk factors of candidemia among patients in Bahrain from 2021 to 2023.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed demographic data, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility profiles, and risk factors among candidemia patients treated at a tertiary care hospital in Bahrain over three years. Data was collected from medical records and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: A total of 430 candidemia cases were identified. The mean age of patients was 65.7 years, with a mortality rate of 85.5%. () was the most common species, followed by , , and emerging multidrug-resistant (). Antifungal susceptibility varied across species, with declining susceptibility to azoles observed, particularly among and . Major risk factors included central venous catheters, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and surgical procedures.

Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial burden of candidemia among older adults in Bahrain, characterized by diverse species. It also concerns levels of antifungal resistance, notably in . The findings underscore the importance of local epidemiological surveillance and tailored treatment strategies to improve outcomes and mitigate the spread of multidrug-resistant species. Future research should focus on molecular resistance mechanisms and optimizing therapeutic approaches to address this growing public health concern.