Microbiological Relevance of Candida in Urine Cultures

Abstract

The presence of Candida spp. in urine has traditionally been considered to be a colonization; however, in certain clinical circumstances, such as in critically ill patients, immunocompromised individuals, or those with chronic diseases, it gains greater relevance due to the possibility of active infection and complications. The aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiology (incidence, species distribution, demographic characteristics, and origin) of Candida spp. isolates in urine through a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of urine culture isolates from clinical samples between January 2016 and December 2023. Out of a total of 111,656 urine cultures, Candida spp. was isolated at 2.72% (n = 3037). The most frequently isolated species was Candida albicans (54.25%; 1646/3037), followed by Nakaseomyces glabrata (22.78%; 692/3037) and Candida tropicalis (10.2%; 311/3037). Advanced age (>70 years), male sex, presence of a urinary catheter, and origin from intensive care units, oncology, or surgical services were variables associated with a higher risk of candiduria, highlighting the relevance of candiduria in the presence of such clinical scenarios.