Evaluation of Fungal Infections in Burn Patients at Ali-ebn AbiTalib Hospital in Zahedan

Background: Burns are the leading cause of disability and mortality in the world, which has led to serious economic and social consequences.  Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate fungal infections in burn patients admitted to Ali-ebn Abitalib Hospital in Zahedan. Methods: This study was conducted from April 2023 to October 2023. The research population was 113 burn patients admitted to Ali-ebn Abitalib Hospital. Data was collected by recording demographic data, sampling lesions suspected of fungal infection, and laboratory tests. All samples were recognized using phenotypic methods such as microscopy and culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 26. Results: About 13.3% of the studied burn patients had a positive fungal culture. The most common fungus grown in burn patients was Candida albicans/C. dubliniensis (46.6%), Aspergillus niger species complex (40%), Fusarium spp. (13.3%) Furthermore, Aspergillus fumigatus species complex (13.3%) and the prevalence of other species was less than 10%. It was also found that positive fungal culture in burn patients is directly related to age, high percentage of burns, and length of hospitalization.  Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of fungal infection in burn patients and the identification of influential risk factors, all patients should be examined for fungal infection.