Speciation, Characterization and Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Candida Species

Introduction: The incidence of Candida has been on the rise worldwide.Urinary tract infections as a result of Candida species are becoming common in hospitalized patients.The species identification of Candida is important, as non-albicans Candida species are increasing in number and more resistant to antifungal drugs.The present study was aimed to speciate, characterize and perform antifungal susceptibility testing of the yeast isolates from the urine samples. Material and methods:The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda over 1 year period.Atotal of 1732 urine samples were analysed and isolated Candida species were subjected to speciation and antifungal susceptibility was performed according to standard procedures.Results: A total of 100 Candida species were isolated from 1732 urine samples, incidence of candiduria was 5.77%.Candida tropicalis (C.tropicalis) was the commonest species (45%).Females in the age group >60 years (73%) were predominantly affected.Isolated species were more susceptible to Amphotericin (97%) and itraconazole (60%) followed by fluconazole (36%).Conclusion: Non-albicans Candida (NAC) species have emerged as important cause of urinary tract infections.Nonalbicans Candida (NAC) show is more resistant to antifungal drugs than Candida albicans (C.albicans).Therefore, the species identification of Candida isolates along with their antifungal susceptibility pattern can help the clinician in better treatment of patients with candiduria.