Characterization of non albicans candida species and the antifungal susceptibility profile of clinical isolates Balaraman Lekshmi1, Saritha N2,*, Raveendran Geetha3 1Senior Resident, Dept. of Microbiology, Government Medical College, KUHS, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 2Associate Professor, Dept. of Microbiology, Government Medical College, KUHS, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 3Professor and Head, Dept. of Microbiology, Government Medical College, KUHS, Kollam, Kerala, India *Corresponding Author: Email: drsarithapradeep@gmail.com
Online published on 14 January, 2019. Abstract Introduction and Objectives Antibiotics, immunodeficiencies and advances in medical practices have all contributed to increased incidence in fungal infections. In recent times Non albicans Candida species are increasingly being isolated from clinical specimens. The present study was aimed at the characterization and antifungal susceptibility of Non albicans Candida species from clinical specimens received in Microbiology Laboratory for one year from June 2015-May 2016. Materials and Methods A total of 181 Non albicans Candida isolates were included in the study. Candida was identified from clinical samples by gram stain, culture on Saboraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA) and germ tube test. The organisms were further speciated by cornmeal agar morphology, sugar assimilation and fermentation tests and growth on CHROM agar (Himedia). Antifungal sensitivity was performed by using disc diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines. Results The most common isolate was Candida tropicalis (59.11%) followed by C.glabrata (28.18%), C.parapsilosis (8.83%) and C.krusei (3.88%). Highest number of isolates were from urine (74/181). Resistance to Fluconazole in clinical isolates of C.tropicalis has increased. C.krusei was the most resistant species. Conclusion Use of CHROM agar is rapid, simple and cost effective compared to time consuming technically demanding expensive conventional methods. Antifungal susceptibility testing has to be carried out before starting therapy because of varying susceptibility pattern in different species of Candida. Top Keywords Non albicans Candida species, Candidiasis, CHROM agar. Top |