Publication:

Rapid identification and susceptibility pattern of various Candida isolates from different clinical specimens in a tertiary care hospital in Western Uttar Pradesh

Background Candida species are component of normal flora of human beings. Candidiasis is the commonest fungal disease affecting mucosa, skin, nails and internal organs. A variety of predisposing factors are known to cause candidiasis either by altering balance of normal microbial flora of the body or by lowering the host defence.

Methods A total of 90 specimens submitted in the department of microbiology were included in this study.  Identification of Candida species as well as antifungal sensitivity testing was performed with Vitek®2 compact (Biomerieux France) using Vitek2 cards for identification of yeast and yeast like organisms (ID-YST cards). Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using Vitek2 fungal susceptibility card (AST YS01) kits respectively.

Results The distribution of the clinical samples were urine 53 (58.9%), sputum 14 (15.5%), blood 10 (11.1%), nail 6 (6.7%) and high vaginal swab 7 (7.8%). Among 90 clinical isolates, species obtained were C. tropicalis 53 (59%), C. albicans 23 (25.5%), C. glabrata 6 (6.7%), C. parapsilosis 4 (4.4%), C. krusei 2 (2.2%), C. pelliculosa 1 (1.1%), C. famata 1 (1.1%).

Conclusions Infections caused by non-candida albicans species have increased. Identification of Candida species and their antifungal susceptibility are important for the treatment of hospitalized patients with serious underlying disease.