Candidemia in French hospitals: incidence rates and characteristics

Objective To determine the incidence of candidemia in French hospitals. Materials and methods A representative sample of 25 French hospitals [nine teaching hospitals (TH), ten general hospitals (GH) and six cancer referral centers (CRC)] was randomly selected. The incidence rates of candidemia per number of admissions and per patient-days of hospitalization were determined and extrapolated to the national level. Results From January 1, 1995 to December 31, 1995, the overall incidence rate per 1000 admissions was 0.29, ranging from 0.71/1000 in CRC, to 0.17/1000 in GH. The overall incidence for 1000 patient-days was 0.035 and the highest incidence was also observed in CRC (0.116/1000), followed by TH (0.052/1000). Candida albicans (53%) was the most common species isolated, a central venous catheter (26%) was the most common portal of entry and 50% of the candidaemic patients had a neoplasm. Conclusion This study should enable us to optimize surveillance, prevention and treatment of these potentially life-threatening infections.