[Invasive candidiasis in selected heamatology departments in the Czech Republic and Slovakia - microbiological results of the CAN CELL project].

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to analyze the spectrum and characteristic of invasive candidiasis in selected haematological departments in the Czech and Slovak Republics, and to compare minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of some antifungal agents for isolates obtained.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1 March 2009 and 31 October 2010, Candida strains from clinically important material obtained from patients with haematological malignancies were collected. Each isolate was biochemically identified and tested for in vitro susceptibility to three known echinocandins and amphotericin B and selected azoles using the E-test. Relevant clinical data were collected.

RESULTS: The study included 63 isolates from 61 patients. The most frequently isolated species were C. albicans and C. glabrata (28 % and 19 %, respectively). However, after exclusion of isolates from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, the percentage changed in favour of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis (25 % and 17 respectively). The MIC data showed a high susceptibility of yeasts to echinocandins and amphotericin B. Ten (16 %) strains were cross-resistant to azoles (mostly C. glabrata).

CONCLUSION: Invasive candidiasis is not frequent infection complication in patients with haematological malignancies in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Moreover, the spectrum of pathogens was similar to that described in recent international studies. However, identification of susceptible and resistant strains according to MIC could be beneficial for choice of antifungal treatment.