[Rapid identification methods of yeasts during fungaemia]

A wet preparation method, modified serum test and a modified disc diffusion method were evaluated in order to identify yeasts more rapidly during fungaemia. A total of 2,932 blood cultures were processed, of which 54 (1.8%) yielded yeasts. By using these methods, Candida albicans was identified within 3 hours, after yeast growth in the blood culture was confirmed by Gram stain. The wet preparation examinations were accurate in 60% of cases and the serum test in 95% of cases. After growth was detected, yeast species other than C. albicans were identified within 24 hours using the modified disc diffusion method. C. albicans (50%), C. tropicalis (22%) and C. parapsilosis (22%) were the species most frequently isolated. Fungaemia occurred most often after antimicrobial therapy and abdominal conditions.

The incidence of hospital fungal infections--yeast fungaemia

In order to determine the incidence and the causative agents of fungaemia, a survey was undertaken of blood culture specimens received from the Bloemfontein academic hospitals. Over a period of 1 year, 5,017 successive blood cultures were examined; 1,030 (20.5%) had growth of which 106 (2.1%) yielded yeasts. Candida albicans (42%), C. tropicalis (26%) and C. parapsilosis (20%) were the species most frequently isolated. Fungaemia occurred most often after broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and abdominal disorders.