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PRINT ISSN : 2319-7692
Online ISSN : 2319-7706 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : editorijcmas@gmail.com / submit@ijcmas.com Editor-in-chief: Dr.M.Prakash Index Copernicus ICV 2018: 95.39 NAAS RATING 2020: 5.38 |
Candida species form part of normal flora of human beings. In the presence of predisposing factors, these can cause different infections with varied severity. Over the last few months fungal infection rates have increased and a change is seen in their epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility pattern. Hence this study was conducted to learn the distribution of Candida species in various samples and their antifungal susceptibility pattern. A total number of 60 Candida isolates were included in the study. Identification was done by colony morphology and Gram stain. Speciation was carried out by Germ tube test, urease test, chlamydoconidia production test, colony characteristics on HiCrome™ Candida Differential Agaragar medium, sugar assimilation test, sugar fermentation test and Vitek2 compact (Biomerieux) using ID-YST 21342 cards. Antifungal testing was done on Vitek2 compact using AST YS08 cards which included fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin-b, caspofungin, micafungin and flucytosine. 60 Candida isolates were included in this study. Samples from which Candida species were isolated were urine (62%), vaginal swab (16.5%), pus (11.5%), Ear swab (5%),Endo tracheal (1.5%), and sputum(3.5%). Isolates from males and females were 30% and 70% respectively. Isolates from geriatric age group (>65 years) and adults (18-65 years) were 52% and 48% respectively. Isolates from samples received from In-Patient Department (IPD), Out-Patient Department (OPD) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were 58%, 34% and 8% respectively. Out of all isolates, Candida albicans was 58%, Candida tropicalis 20%, Candida glabrata 10%, Candida parapsilosis 9% and Candida krusei 3%. All Candida species (except Candida glabrata) showed 100% sensitivity to amphotericin-b and caspofungin. Sensitivity to azole group of drugs was 100% among Non-Albicans Candida (NAC) except C. glabrata and C. krusei and more than 90% among C. albicans. C. albicans was the commonest isolate followed by C. tropicalis. Overall also, C. albicans were predominant as compared to NAC. All Candida isolates except (C. glabrata) showed good sensitivity to all antifungals. Antifungal resistance among certain NAC is on the rise. The commonest underlying risk factor for Candida infection was diabetes mellitus followed by bronchial asthma on steroid treatment.