Assessment of the antifungal susceptibility profile and virulence factors of non-albicans candida species obtained from the infection of the bloodstream

Abstract

Background: Earlier the fungal infection spectrum was considered to be only restricted to mucocutaneous and cutaneous tissues. However, this consideration has now changed. The threatening rise in the incidence of invasive mycosis is seen recently. Despite advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, high mortality rates are linked to invasive mycosis. The most common cause of bloodstream infections is Candida spp. Among candida genus, the most pathogenic species is C. Albicans, recent literature data has shown the emergence of treatment-resistant, relatively uncommon, and unusual nonalbicans Candida (NAC) spp. Aim: The present study was conducted to assess the antifungal susceptibility profile and virulence factors of non-Albicans candida species obtained from the infection of the bloodstream. Material and methods: The present study included blood culture isolates of nonalbicans Candida (NAC) spp. which were identified to species level using the standard mycological protocol. This NAC spp. were screened for virulence factors production including biofilm formation, hemolysin, and extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. Ezy MIC strip was used for assessing the antifungal susceptibility profile of these isolates. Results: 100% (n=1) C. rugosa NAC spp. showed hemolysin production. In C. gulliermondii, 50% (n=1) subject showed phospholipase production and biofilm formation each.