IDENTIFICATION AND SPECIATION OF CANDIDA ISOLATED FROM VARIOUS CLINICAL SAMPLES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Infections due to Candida species have increased substantially over a few decades due to
increased use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, immune-suppressants and indwelling devices
which attribute to high rates of invasive candidiasis. Candida albicans
majority of superficial and systemic infections. Both,Candida albicans
associated with high morbidity and mortality because of the increasing antifungal
resistance. Hence, it is important to correctly identify and speciate them. The present study
was therefore conducted to identify various species ofCandida
specimens.
The study was conducted over a period of one year from November 2020 to November
2021. The various species of Candida isolated, were identified by using conventional tests
(germ tube and chlamydospore test, sugar fermentation and assimilation tests and
commercially available CHROM agar)and automated methods (Vitek 2 Compact system).
A total of 79 strains of Candida were isolated during the study period.
tropicaliswas the most frequently isolated species, 41(51.8%), followed by
albicans,16(20.2%), Candida krusei,11 (13.9%),Candida glabrata,
dubliniensis,3(3.7%). Early identification and reporting of infections due to Candida
help the clinicians in better patient management. Now a days, a wide range of molecular
techniques have been used including non-DNA-based methods and DNA
because they generate unambiguous and highly reproducible typing data. CHROM agar is a
conventional and rapid method of identification of Candida
settings, hence its use may help in making an early diagnosis.
increased use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, immune-suppressants and indwelling devices
which attribute to high rates of invasive candidiasis. Candida albicans
majority of superficial and systemic infections. Both,Candida albicans
associated with high morbidity and mortality because of the increasing antifungal
resistance. Hence, it is important to correctly identify and speciate them. The present study
was therefore conducted to identify various species ofCandida
specimens.
The study was conducted over a period of one year from November 2020 to November
2021. The various species of Candida isolated, were identified by using conventional tests
(germ tube and chlamydospore test, sugar fermentation and assimilation tests and
commercially available CHROM agar)and automated methods (Vitek 2 Compact system).
A total of 79 strains of Candida were isolated during the study period.
tropicaliswas the most frequently isolated species, 41(51.8%), followed by
albicans,16(20.2%), Candida krusei,11 (13.9%),Candida glabrata,
dubliniensis,3(3.7%). Early identification and reporting of infections due to Candida
help the clinicians in better patient management. Now a days, a wide range of molecular
techniques have been used including non-DNA-based methods and DNA
because they generate unambiguous and highly reproducible typing data. CHROM agar is a
conventional and rapid method of identification of Candida
settings, hence its use may help in making an early diagnosis.