Candidiasis is defined as an infection or disease caused by a fungus of the genus Candida. Rate of disseminated candidiasis increases with the growth of the number of immunocompromised patients. In the the last few decades the incidence of disseminated candidiasis is in growth as well as the mortality rate. The aim of this survey is to show the importance of serological tests implementation in disseminated candidiasis diagnose. This is a prospective study involving 60 patients with malign diseases with and without clinical signs of disseminated candidiasis and 30 healthy people who represent the control group. Apart from hemoculture, detection of circulating mannan antigen and adequate antibodies of Candida species applying comercial ELISA test was determined in each patient. This survey deals with relevant factors causing disseminated candidiasis. This survey showed that the group of patients with clinical signs of disseminated candidiasis had more patients with positive hemoculture to Candida species, then the group of patients without clinical signs of disseminated candidiasis. The number of patients being examined and positive to antigens and antibodies was higher (p < 0.01) in the group of patients with clinical signs of disseminated candidiasis (7/30; 23.3%), then in the group of patients without clinical signs of disseminated candidiasis (0/30; 0%): Average value of titra antigen was statistically higher (p < 0.001) in patients with Candida spp. positive hemocultures rather then in patients with Candida spp. negative hemocultures. In the group of patients with clinical signs of disseminated candidiasis 6/30 (20%) of patients had Candida spp.positive hemocultures while in the group of patients without clinical signs of disseminated candidiasis 1/30 (3.3%) of patients had Candida spp. positive hemocultures, which was considerably higher (p < 0.05). Correlation of results of hemoculture and mannan antigens and antibodies in patients with disseminated candidiasis were statistically significant, while correlation of results of hemoculture and antibodies was insignificant. Because of low sensitivity of hemoculture and time needed for isolation of Candida spp., introducing serological tests in regular procedures would speed disseminated candidiasis diagnose.

Conflict of interest: none declared. Goals The goals of this research are: a) to determine the number, gender and age representation of patients with a working diagnosis of acute stroke referred by the Institute for Emergency Medical Care (IEMC) in the Clinical Center of Sarajevo University (CCSU); b) determine the incidence of patients that have been or have not been hospitalized and why; c) determine the time and procedure for emergency medical care; d) to determine the characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized with ischemic stroke at the Neurology Clinic CCUS. Material and methods The study was retrospective and included time period from 1st June 2010 to 30th November 2010. The study included patients of both sexes, older than 18 years of age. Results The study included a total of 233 patients. Of these, 65% are female, while 35% of patients were male. Of 82 patients who were admitted to hospital treatment at the Neurology Clinic, 55% of the patients were male and 45% female. The largest number of patients is older than 70 years (71%). Minimum time for emergency medical team arrival was 6 minutes and maximum 70 minutes (mean 35, SD 11.989). Motor weakness was noted in 31% of patients – left sided motor weakness was significantly more represented. In 73% of patients the diagnosis was confirmed. In 5% of patients thrombolytic therapy was administered, while 95% of patients were treated conservatively. Lethal outcome occurred in 30% of hospitalized patients, 37% were discharged as recovered, 30% were discharged as unaltered state, while 3% were discharged with worsening symptoms. Among risk factors, hypertension is the leading one, followed by an earlier stroke, diabetes mellitus, and cardiac arrhythmias. Conclusions In 91% of patients consciousness was preserved. In 73% of transported patients has been confirmed the diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Of the patients with confirmed diagnosis 59% were hospitalized. A significant number of strokes occur for the first time in relation to relapse. 5% of patients were treated with thrombolysis, while others were treated with conservative therapy. Recurrent stroke and patient confusion have significant impact on the outcome.