Changing Distribution of Candida Species Isolated from Sterile and Nonsterile Sites in Israel

Abstract.

To determine if the prevalence of non-albicans Candida spp. has increased at two institutions in Israel, the distribution of 6,954 Candida isolates obtained from sterile and nonsterile sites during the periods 1995–1996 and 1999–2000 were compared. In the latter period, a slight decrease was observed in the prevalence of non-albicans Candida spp. isolated from sterile sites (from 39% to 37%) and nonsterile sites (from 38% to 35%). Specifically, the prevalence of Candida glabrata increased significantly in sterile sites, from 26% to 35% (P=0.0095), and in nonsterile sites, from 18% to 27% (P<0.0001), and the prevalence of Candida krusei increased significantly in sterile sites, from 2% to 7% (P=0.0072). The prevalence of Candida parapsilosis decreased significantly in nonsterile sites, from 31% to 23% (P=0.0002). Continuous surveys of the distribution of Candida spp. and analysis of the clinical significance of changes are warranted.