Assessment of Fungal Blood Stream Infection in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis Admitted to The Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: Liver cirrhosis (LC) patients are at increased risk for infection due to weakened immune systems and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Therefore, it is crucial to do fungal cultures in LC patients and to keep a high index of suspicion. Objective: To detect fungal blood stream infection in patients with liver cirrhosis admitted to the intensive care unit. Methods: In a prospective cross-sectional study that was conducted on 124 subjects were admitted to Zagazig University Tropical department with symptoms and signs suggestive of fungal infections. Using light microscope 40X and 40X for visualization of fungal structures of blood culture. Results: Our study couldn't detect any case with fungal blood stream infection. Nearly all our patients had leucocytic and inflammatory reaction. Fifty-one patients had HCC, 4 patients had malignant masses: 2 gastric and 2 duodenal masses with no other malignancy. Our patients had mean MELD score of 14.0 ± 3.55. Immune compromising drugs among our patients were completely absent and medical condition that may affect the immunity such as DM were relatively few in our patients. Conclusions: Liver cirrhosis frequently results in infections. Patients with cirrhosis who are hospitalized to the intensive care unit often get fungal infections, which exacerbate their overall state and can be fatal.