Characterisation and antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species isolated froma tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: An increase in the prevalence of infections caused by non-albicans Candida (NAC) has been reported from many parts of the world. The increased isolation rates of NAC and a gradual shift in the antifungal susceptibility profile underlines the need for early and accurate diagnosis of Candida infections along with antifungal susceptibility testing. Aim: The aim of this study is to characterise Candida spp. isolated from various clinical samples and determine the antifungal susceptibility pattern. Settings and Design: This study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, at a tertiary care referral centre, over a period of one year and included 200 Candida spp. Materials and Methods: Candida isolates were characterised by conventional techniques and CHROMagar. Antifungal susceptibility test was performed using disc diffusion method. Clinical details and risk factors were recorded and analysed. Results and Conclusions: Candida albicans was the most common species isolated, followed by Candida tropicalis . The Candida isolates were more susceptible to Amphotericin B than other antifungal agents tested. Diabetes mellitus appeared to be the most common predisposing factor for the Candida infections, followed by indiscriminate drug usage.