ABSTRACT The Association of the Candida Score as a Predictor of Mortality, Duration of Mechanical Ventilation, and Candida Colonization in Mechanically Ventilated Pneumonia Patients at Dr. Moewardi General Hospital Ivan Aristo Suprapto Putra, Jatu Aphridasari, Pristiawan Endraputra, Harsini, Yusup Subagio Sutanto Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta / Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia Background: Candida colonization is frequently detected in mechanically ventilated pneumonia patients and has been associated with polymicrobial biofilm formation that may enhance microbial virulence and antimicrobial resistance. The Candida Score was originally developed to predict invasive candidiasis; however, its prognostic value in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the association between the Candida Score and mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and respiratory Candida colonization.Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among adult pneumonia patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation who underwent bronchial toilet at Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia, between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025. The Candida Score was categorized as <3>7 days), and positive respiratory Candida culture. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests, logistic regression, and multivariate analysis to identify independent predictors.Results: Total of 200 patients were included in the study. Most patients were male (68.5%), and cerebrovascular disease was the most common comorbidity (44%). Candida albicans was identified in 22.5% of cultures. Prolonged mechanical ventilation occurred in 68% of patients, and overall mortality was 69%. A Candida Score ≥3 was significantly associated with respiratory Candida colonization (p<0.05). However, no significant association was observed between the Candida Score and prolonged mechanical ventilation (p=0.705) or mortality (p=0.141). Multivariate analysis identified age as an independent predictor of mortality (p=0.034).Conclusion:Candida Score ≥3 is significantly associated with respiratory Candida colonization but is not independently associated with mortality or duration of mechanical ventilation in mechanically ventilated pneumonia patients.