Invasive Candidiasis Species Distribution and Trends, United States, 2009-2017

Background. Invasive candidiasis (IC) is a growing concern among US healthcare facilities. A large-scale study evaluating incidence and trends of IC in the United States by species and body site is needed to understand the distribution of infection. Methods. An electronic medical record database was used to calculate incidence and trends of IC in the United States by species and infection site from 2009 through 2017. Hospital incidence was calculated using total unique inpatient hospitalizations in hospitals reporting at least 1 Candida case as the denominator. IC incidence trends were assessed using generalized estimating equations with exchangeable correlation structure to fit Poisson regression models, controlling for changes in hospital characteristics and case mix over time. Results. Candida albicans remains the leading cause of IC in the United States, followed by Candida glabrata. The overall incidence of IC was 90/100 000 patients, which did not change significantly over time. There were no changes in incidence among C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, or C. tropicalis; the incidence of other Candida spp. as a whole increased 7.2% annually. While there was no change in candidemia 2009-2017, abdominal and nonabdominal sterile site IC increased significantly. Conclusions. Nonbloodstream IC is increasing in the United States. Understanding the epidemiology of IC should facilitate improved management of infected patients.

Automated summary

The study found that the incidence of invasive candidiasis (IC) in the United States is relatively stable, primarily caused by Candida albicans, while nonbloodstream IC is on the rise.