Candidemia in Norway (1991 to 2003):: Results from a nationwide study

A long-term, nationwide prospective candidemia study has been ongoing in Norway since 1991. All medical microbiological laboratories in the country have participated. During the period 1991 to 2003 a total of 1,393 episodes of candidemia occurred in 1,348 patients. The incidence of candidemia episodes per 100,000 inhabitants increased from approximately 2 episodes in the early 1990s to 3 episodes in 2001 to 2003. The average annual incidences varied markedly between the age groups. The incidence was high in patients aged <1 year and in patients aged >= 70 years. In patients >= 80 years of age, the incidence has increased during the last 3 years from an annual average of 6.5 to 15.6 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 2003. Four Candida species (C. albicans [70%], C. glabrata [13%], C. tropicalis [7%], and C. parapsilosis [6%]) accounted for 95.5% of the isolates. The species distribution has been constant during the 13-year study period. The distribution of the most important species varied with the age of the patient. In patients <1 year of age, the majority of episodes were caused by C. albicans (91%). The occurrence of C. glabrata increased with age. In patients >= 80 years of age, approximately 113 of all episodes were due to this species. All C. albicans strains were susceptible to fluconazole. The percentage of yeast isolates with decreased susceptibility to fluconazole (MICs >= 16 mu g/ml) was 10.7% during the first period of this study (1991 to 1996) and 11.7% during the second period (1997 to 2003).