P334 Fungal infections in patients with COVID-19 in 1-year pandemic 2020-2021 from Cote d'Ivoire

Abstract Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Background and Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant public health problems both in Côte d'Ivoire and around the world. Among the different causes of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients, the frequency and impact of co-infections are still little studied, especially in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, people with severe COVID-19 infection are particularly vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections. This study aims to determine the frequency and susceptibility profile of isolated fungi in severe COVID-19 patients living in west Africa. Methodology We conducted a retrospective observational study of COVID-19 patients who were tested for invasive fungal infections (IFI) between 2020 and 2021 in the laboratory of mycology at Pasteur Institute of Cote d'Ivoire. Results We received a total of 77 samples (from superficial specimens, deep sites, urine) collected from 35 patients admitted for severe COVID-19. The patients were predominantly female (n = 21, 60%) and had a median age of 54,5 years (range16-79 years). The mycological analysis for IFI diagnosis showed 20% of samples positive only for yeasts, 66.7% of which were Candida albicans and responsible for 90% of invasive infections in COVID-19 patients. No difference in fungal species was found regarding of the sex, age of the patients, and waves of the pandemic. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed no resistance to antifungals (fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B, and flucytosine) among Candida isolates. Conclusion These data show significant Candidiasis infection associated with the severe form of COVID-19. Given this prevalence of 20%, it is important for clinicians to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent candidemia in patients with COVID-19. The widespread surveillance for fungal co-infections is still essential to reduce mortality associated with COVID-19.