OBJECTIVE  To investigate the cause of bloodstream infection outbreak caused by drug-resistant Candida albicans in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and to provide a basis for the prevention and control of fungal bloodstream infection in the pediatric ward.

METHODS  Four cases of C. albicans bloodstream infection in the PICU of Anhui Provincial Children ′s Hospital were investigated from Jul. 18 to Jul. 26, 2018, and a series of comprehensive treatment and prevention measures such as multidisciplinary consultation and hygienic testing on the field environment were organized.

RESULTS  Azole and 5-flucytosine resistant C. albicans were detected in whole blood cultures of four children, who were diagnosed as a C. albicans bloodstream infection. Moreover, totally 35 samples from the field environment were tested, and mold, and gram-positive cocci and Candida species were detected. Through comprehensive treatments and prevention and control measures such as catheter extraction, rational drug use, replacement of skin disinfectant, and standardized operation, three children improved and discharged, however, 1 child died after giving up treatment due to the combination of multiple serious congenital diseases. No new cases occurred in PICU.

CONCLUSIONS  The suspected outbreak of C. albicans bloodstream infection might be caused by healthcare-associated cross-infection, such as non-standardized cleaning and disinfection methods and poor hand hygiene measures of medical staff. The infection management department should keep close contact with the clinic, pay attention to high-risk segments, strengthen the training of hospital infection knowledge, strictly implement basic infection control measures such as cleaning and disinfection and hand hygiene, give timely and early warnings to avoid the outbreak of hospital infection.