Authors: Y. Raja Ratna Reddy, M. Nissi Priya, B. Ramachandra Reddy, Manisha Singh, Vasanti Kabra
Introduction: Candida species are recognized as the most important fungal pathogens with significant contribution to the morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. C. albicans is the leading cause of fungal infections until the recent emergence of non albicans Candida (NAC) infections, therefore transforming the current epidemiological trends. Materials and Methods: The clinical samples received in the microbiology department were cultured on Sabouraud ’ s dextrose agar followed by identification and sensitivity testing of Candida species using automated VITEK 2-compact (biomerieux) instrument. Results and Discussion: The present study also shows the prevalence of NAC species with C. utilis being the most significant isolate from neonatal blood cultures. C. utilis is generally considered as an industrial yeast with low virulence, hence occasionally reported from clinical samples. However, their clinical relevance should be interpreted with strong clinical and microbiological correlation. Conclusion: Surveillance for emerging fungal pathogens is essential to monitor the changing epidemiological trends for controlling the spread of NAC species Keywords: Non albicans Candida, Candida utilis, Fungemia, Virulence.
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