Evaluation of a Novel Laboratory Candiduria Screening Protocol in the Intensive Care Unit

Background: Since urine cultures are only guaranteed for patients with obvious urinary symptoms in most cases, most of candiduria episodes are ignored in clinic. Objective: This study aimed to design a screening protocol to improve diagnostic efficiency of candiduria, and provide information of Candida species and drug susceptibility. Methods: All patients, who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of our hospital during December 1, 2018 and October 1, 2019, were enrolled in this study. Urinalysis was performed every three days for each subject from the first day of ICU admission. Urine specimens were sampled for fungal culture with either condition: (1) yeast-like cell counting (YLCC) >= 200; (2) positive YLCCs were observed in two consecutive tests, and at least one YLCC >= 100. Results: The screening protocol dramatically improved the candiduria diagnostic rate of ICU patients from 2.28% to 17.27%. However, compared to the historical control, the screening protocol has no time-saving advantage in candiduria diagnosing. Higher percentage of C. albicans in screening protocol-identified candiduria patients was observed, although there was no statistical difference. Our results indicated that female gender, pneumonia, diabetes and infarction/hemorrhage patients were more prone to develop candiduria. Non-candiduria patients showed a better tendency for survival and shorter ICU stay length. Multisite colonization was common in the surveyed candiduria patients, who were up to 70.83% showed Candida positive cultures in sputum. Conclusion: The screening protocol established in the study was a convenient and practical tool for early warning and feasible management of candiduria and IC.

Automated summary

The screening protocol established in the study significantly improved the diagnostic rate of candiduria in ICU patients, but it did not save time compared to historical controls. A higher percentage of C. albicans was observed in candiduria patients identified by the screening protocol. Female gender, pneumonia, diabetes, and infarction/hemorrhage were identified as risk factors for developing candiduria. Non-candiduria patients showed better survival outcomes and shorter ICU stays.