Bang Nguyen - Department of Heamatology, Toxicology, Radiation and Occupational Diseases. Military Hospital ۱۰۳. Vietnam Military Medical University.
Nguyen Xuan - Department of Medical Education, Military Hospital ۱۰۳, Vietnam Military Medical University
Dinh Quang - Scientific and Training Management Department, National Institute of Malaria, Parasitology and Entomology, Nam Tu Liem, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Cao Loi - Scientific and Training Management Department, National Institute of Malaria, Parasitology and Entomology, Nam Tu Liem, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Nguyen Minh - Intensive Care Unit, National Hospital of Burn, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Dong, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Nguyen Lam - National Hospital of Burn, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Dong, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Do Anh - Department of Parasitology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Phung Hung, Ha Dong, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Truong Hien - Department of Microbiology, National Hospital of Burn, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Dong, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Hoang Su - Department of Microbiology and Pathogens, Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Dong, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Tran-Anh Le - Department of Parasitology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Dong, Ha Noi, Vietnam

Background and Purpose: Burn patients are at a higher risk of infections caused by different organisms. This study aimed to address the prevalence, causative species, and factors related to fungal colonization or infection in patients with acute severe injuries admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a burn hospital in northern Vietnam. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on ۴۰۰ patients in a burn ICU between ۲۰۱۷ and ۲۰۱۹. Clinical samples were weekly collected and screened for fungi, and relevant clinical information was obtained from medical records. Results: According to the results, ۹۰% of the patients were colonized with fungi. Out of this group, ۱۲.۷۵% of the cases had invasive fungal infection (IFI). Eleven yeasts and six mold species were isolated from the patients, with the most common species being Candida tropicalis (۴۵.۵۶%) and C. albicans (۴۱.۹۴%). Among the eleven species causing fungal wound infection (FWI), the most common agents were Candida (۶۶.۷% of FWI patients) and Aspergillus (۳۸.۵%) species. Three Candida species isolated from blood were C. tropicalis (۶۶.۷%), C. albicans (۲۰.۰%), and C. parapsilosis (۱۴.۳%). No factors were found to expose the patients to a higher risk of fungal colonization. However, hyperglycemia, prolonged ICU stay, and heavy Candida species colonization were found to be independently predictive of IFI. Conclusion: Burn patients are at the risk of fungal infection with Candida species (especially C. tropicalis) and Aspergillus as the most frequently responsible agents. Continuous surveillance of fungi and appropriate management of pathophysiological consequences are essential to prevent fungal infection in burn patients.

Fungal colonization, Fungal infection, Burn patients, Intensive Care Unit, Vietnam