Saudi Journal of Pathology and Microbiology (SJPM)
Volume-11 | Issue-09 | 250-253
Original Research Article
Candidemia Caused by Candida tropicalis at Hassan II University Hospital, Fez, Morocco: A 10-Year Retrospective Study
Hiba Talbi, Najlae El Aouad, Soukaina Adadi, Zineb Tlamçani
Published : Nov. 5, 2026
Abstract
Introduction: Candidemia is a severe invasive fungal infection caused by Candida species. It primarily affects immunocompromised patients and those admitted to intensive care units. Depending on the geographic region, Candida tropicalis ranks as the second or third most common cause of candidemia and is associated with high mortality. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study at Hassan II University Hospital in Fez, Morocco, from January 2016 to October 2025. We included all patients with blood cultures positive for C. tropicalis. We identified the isolates using culture, biochemical tests, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We performed antifungal susceptibility testing to assess susceptibility to the antifungal agents tested. Results: We included 33 patients, accounting for 21.9% of all candidemia cases. The mean age was 32 years, and the study population included 11 females and 22 males. The reported risk factors included neutropenia (9 cases), central venous catheter colonization (5 cases), and prior broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy (all patients). Among the isolates with reported susceptibility results, 16 were susceptible to all tested antifungal agents, 9 were susceptible only to caspofungin, and 3 were reported as multidrug-resistant. Overall mortality was 57.6%. Conclusion: C. tropicalis is an important cause of severe candidemia. The main reported risk factors were neutropenia, central venous catheter colonization, and prior exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics. The high mortality rate and reported antifungal resistance highlight the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate antifungal treatment, and targeted preventive measures.