Incidence Of Candidiasis Research Articles

Antifungal Potential of Struchium sparganophora (Antsbush): A Promising Candidate for Treating Candidiasis and Cryptococcosis

Aims: The incidence of Candidiasis and Cryptococcosis, and the emergence of acquired antifungal resistance have increased rapidly. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of S. sparganophora leaf extracts against C. albicans and C. neoformans; and to determine whether there was any difference between the antifungal effects of S. sparganophora leaf extracts and two conventional antifungal agents (AFAs). Study Design: Experiment-based study. Place and Duration of Study: S. sparganophora leaves was obtained from a site in Kimbia, Berbice River, Guyana; identified by the Biodiversity Centre and tested at the Main Laboratory at the College of Medical Sciences, University of Guyana during January- August 2023. Methodology: Dried pulverised leaves were macerated using different solvents and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. Sterile filter paper discs were soaked in different concentrations of the various extracts. Antifungal discs were placed on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar plates seeded with fungi. All plates were incubated and zones of inhibitions (ZOIs) were measured and expressed as mean ± SD. Results: S. sparganophora leaf extracts showed large ZOI especially at the 100 mg/ml concentrations against all organisms tested. The largest ZOI was seen for the hexane extract against C. neoformans (35.5±5 mm) and C. Albicans In-House B (18.5±3.5 mm) at 100 mg/ml concentrations. No ZOI was observed against the AFA fluconazole by C. albicans In-House B, while large ZOI were observed with the hexane and ethyl acetate extracts at 100 mg/ml concentrations. Statistical analysis showed correlation between the ZOI and concentrations, ZOI and solvent extract, and ZOI and type of fungi. Conclusion: In conclusion, S. sparganophora leaf extracts have great antifungal activity and in some cases showed greater activity when compared to conventional AFAs.

Health of Saudi Women in the Post-Pandemic Era: Candidiasis Incidence and Post COVID-19 and COVID-19-Vaccination.

Candidiasis, commonly known as yeast infection, affects people worldwide due to the overgrowth of Candida species. Of several types, genital candidiasis, particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), primarily caused by C. albicans is frequently observed in females of reproductive age. Candidiasis has also become a serious issue in the post-pandemic era, as it occurs as a secondary infection in COVID-19 patients during or after the course of viral illness. Therefore, this study investigated the incidence of C. albicans infections in women of reproductive age, and its relationship with the incidence of COVID-19 and vaccination in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, this study aimed to determine the awareness of women on candidiasis and its subsequent impact on the occurrence of infection. A survey-based quantitative study was conducted in which primary data were collected from participants using a self-reported questionnaire. A total of 200 women aged 18-45 were selected through random sampling. Apart from their sociodemographic characteristics, the history of COVID-19 incidence, COVID-19 vaccination, and candidiasis occurrences among respondents were recorded. Their level of awareness and knowledge of candidiasis, along with their perceptions of strategies for mitigating the risk of incidence, were also evaluated. The collected data were analysed using different statistical tools. The findings of this study revealed a positive correlation between candidiasis, viral infection, and vaccination, regardless of the type and dosage of vaccine administered. Furthermore, both COVID-19 incidence and vaccination had a positive and significant impact on the occurrence of candidiasis among Saudi women. Despite certain limitations, this study has theoretical and managerial implications for improved management of candidiasis in the post-COVID era.

Effect of smoking on salivary flow rate and oral candidiasis incidence

Background: The 2014 ASEAN Tobacco Control Atlas (SEACTA), provides evidence that the first country to have the highest number of smoker prevalence in ASEAN is Indonesia, which is 50.68%. Smoking is one of the main risk factors for various diseases. Cigarette smoke and the hot temperature of cigarettes exposed to the oral mucosa will cause tissue damage. This results in damage to taste receptors which affects the decrease in salivary sensitivity and productivity. Damage to oral tissue is one of the factors for the C. albicans fungus to colonize in the oral cavity and cause infection so that oral candidiasis appears. Objectives: To review and investigate the effect of smoking on salivary flow rate and oral candidiasis incidence Conclusion: There is an effect of smoking on Salivary Flow Rate and Oral Candidiasis Incidence. Smoking will result in decreased salivary secretion and become a factor in the onset of C. albicans colonies in the oral cavity.

Incidence of Candidiasis and Associated Risk in Diabetic Patients

Candida causes candidiasis. The genus Candida contains about 200 different species, but only a small proportion of Candida are dangerous and cause more external or internal diseases when they enter the body. Candida albicans is a ubiquitous pathogen, associated with many bacteria in the mouth, throat, and intestines. The immune system and the bacteria present are monitored for Candida, and damage to the immune system or changes in the bacteria can cause Candida to become infected. In general, these infections are limited to the mouth, genital area, and skin, but people with cancer or other serious diseases, such as HIV, have very weak immune systems which make them suffer from more serious diseases.

The incidence of Candidiasis among the Asymptomatic Female Students of the Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The incidence of Candidiasis among the Asymptomatic Female Students of the Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Comparative study of Candidiasis among Single and Married women at Rwanda Military Hospital

Background: Genital tract is the portal of entry for numerous sexually and non-sexually trans­mitted diseases. A number of bacterial and non-bacterial infections exist that affect the female reproductive tract and cause vaginal discharge. Candida species are among im­portant opportunistic pathogens causing candidiasis in human worldwide. These yeast species are of public health concern nowadays. Aim: This study aimed at comparing the prevalence of candidiasis among single and married women attending Rwanda Mili­tary Hospital. The study population comprises of single and married women. Methodology: This was a retrospective study where data was collected from Rwanda Military Hospital. Results: The re­sults of this study showed that the incidence of candidiasis was higher in married women when compared with single women. The prevalence of candidiasis in married women was 128(74.4%), while in single women is 44(25.6%). It was observed in this study that the distribution of candidiasis among married and single is statistically sig­nificant (p<0.05). Results also show that out of 172 single and married women, more cases of candidiasis were observed within the age range of 21-30 years, 66 (44.2%) were infected with candida albicans, 31-40 years had a prevalence of 55(32%) and 11-20 years had a prevalence of 13(7.6%). The overall of cases of candida other than C. albicans observed was 15.1%. Conclusion: This study showed that married and single women are predisposed to candidiasis. It is therefore important to give opportunistic pathogens like Candida species attention in women especially among married ones as they are mostly affected by this candidiasis. Keywords: Candidiasis, C. albicans, Vaginal discharge, Urinary tract infection, bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis.

INCIDENCE OF ORAL CANDIDIASIS IN FIXED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES

Introductions: Oral candidiasis is most often caused by Candida albicans, followed by C. glabrata. In European countries, an analysis showed that more than half of candidiasis cases were caused by C. albicans and the infection rate caused by other candida strains was 14% for C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis, 7% for C. tropicalis and 2% for C. krusei. According to a study in Brazil, C. albicans accounted for 40.9% of cases followed by C. tropicalis (20.9%), C. parapsilosis (20.5%) and C. glabrata (4.9%). Meanwhile, in Indonesia, there is no national data regarding the epidemiology of oral candidiasis in Indonesia. Hospital Dr. Hasan Sadikin (RSHS) Bandung conducted research from 2010-2014 and found that during that period 49 patients had oral candidiasis. In general, side effects can be felt by patients who are in fixed orthodontic treatment which affects comfort and quality of life, namely 42.79% experience a sensation of pain in the area of the oral cavity, while 51.80% complain of discomfort when chewing food and this can indicate that Orthodontic appliances are mainly the patient's daily activities, the second is related to chewing food, phonetics and smile lines. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of candidiasis on orthodontic appliances. This study was to determine the incidence of candidiasis on fix orthodontic appliances. Material and Methods: In this study, 80 samples were obtained from the total population, namely medical students who use fixed orthodontics with metal materials. Methods with SWAB examination on the surface of the bracket and the oral mucosa that intersect with the ortho-adhesive device. The results were recorded and then data analysis was carried out. Then the specimens were put in a microbiology incubator for 48 hours at room temperature. If candida albicans grows on the petridish then it is assessed that candidiasis is present. Results: From the study, it was found that 80% incidence of candidiasis, 20% is normal. Conclussions: There is a high incidence of oral candidiasis in patients using fix orthodontics appliances.

Factors Associated with Candidiasis in Pemphigus Vulgaris Patients: Results from a Retrospective Study in Two Second-Care Level Hospitals in Mexico.

Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV). One of the most common infections in these patients is candidiasis. This is probably due to the use of systemic immunosuppressants, including oral and intravenous corticosteroids, mainly in megadoses (pulse therapy), although it is unknown if there are other associated factors, in addition to immunosuppressive treatment. We determine the factors associated with candidiasis in PV patients in two second-care level hospitals in Mexico. We reviewed 100 cases with PV. Cases were randomly selected from the databases of two second-care level hospitals between January 2010 and December 2019 (10 years). The primary endpoint was the incidence of candidiasis in patients with PV. One hundred patients with PV were enrolled in this retrospective study. Candidiasis was observed in 79 patients (79%). A maximum corticosteroid dose of 55 mg/day during the last year (p = 0.001) and a higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were associated with candidiasis in patients with PV (p = 0.001). Risk factors favoring candidiasis in patients with PV are not only related to the use of corticosteroids, but also to demographic factors, the activity of the disease, and the systemic inflammation associated with autoimmunity.

Prevalence of Candida species and their Susceptibility to Triazoles in Clinical Isolates from a Tertiary Care Hospital

In the recent past, the incidence of Candidiasis has witnessed a concerning upsurge, resulting in a significant healthcare challenge. These infections are further exacerbated by factors like the widespread use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, and the presence of medical devices. The present study is designed to address the critical need for identifying the Candida species responsible for clinical infections and assessing their susceptibility to key antifungal drugs Fluconazole, Voriconazole, and Itraconazole. Two hundred clinical samples from Rohilkhand Medical College & Hospital, Bareilly were analyzed. Using Vitek-2 Compact (Biomerieux, France), the Candida spp. and the antifungal drug sensitivities were identified for Fluconazole and Voriconazole. E-test was done to identify Itraconazole sensitivity. This study found that C. albicans accounted for 21.5% while Non-albicans Candida (NAC) constituted 78.5%. Prolonged medication was the most common factor making susceptible for Candidiasis (43.5%), followed by indwelling biomedical devices (23%), Diabetes mellitus (16%), surgical causes (5.5%), trauma (5%), pregnancy (5%), and HIV (2%). Antifungal susceptibility testing showed that 68.5%, 72%, and 69.5% of Candida spp. isolates were sensitive to Fluconazole, Voriconazole, and Itraconazole, respectively. In conclusion, non-albicans Candida infections are increasing due to predisposing conditions, and some of these species are inherently resistant to the routinely used antifungal drugs. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying Candida spp. and their susceptibility to antifungals. This can limit the indiscriminate use of antifungal drugs, aid in selecting appropriate treatments, and reduce treatment costs, hospital stays, and patient morbidity and mortality.

Diabetic Mellitus as a Predisposing factor in enhancing infections by Candida species and their Antifungal susceptibilities

Diabetic mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic degenerative disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Candidiasis is increased substantially worldwide over decades and is considered to be one of the causes of morbidity and mortality especially in diabetic patients due to long term complications, and becoming among the largest emerging threats to the public health in the 21 stcentury. The present study is designed to study different candida species isolated from different sources of diabetic patients and to examine their susceptibility to different antifungal drugs. The role of gender,age and obesity in increasing the incidence of candidiasis among groups of diabetic patients has also been examined. Among 300 specimens collected from different sources of diabetic patients 122(40.67%) showed positive results of different candida species from which C. albicans is the most common isolate 46(37.7%) while the least are those of C. parapsillosis 18(14.75%). Antifungal susceptibility of the isolated candida species showed that C. albicans is highly resistant to all of the antifungal drugs used in this study namely fluconazole, Echinocandine and vericonzazole. The least resistant to these drugs is C. glabrata. Interestingly males have higher isolates in both types of DM than females and that there is no significant role of age and body weight in the occurrence of candidiasis

Relationship of Urine Acidity to The Risk of Candidiasis Infection in Pregnant Mothers

Candidiasis is a disease caused by fungi and the most common cause is candida albicans. The aim of this study was to measure the relationship between the degree of urine acidity and the risk of candidiasis infection in pregnant women. The benefit of research is to determine the degree of acidity on the incidence of candidiasis in pregnant women. The results of research from 42 urine samples from pregnant women found urine with an acidic pH of 30 urines or 71.4% and from these 30 samples 19 urine samples were found to be positive for Candida albicans. A neutral pH was found in 5 urines with the sample test results not finding Candida albicans, but 1 sample was found with the fungus Candida Sp. The results of the urine measurements found 7 urine with an alkaline pH and no Candida albicans was found, but overall Esterococcus bacteria were found in the urine with a neutral and alkaline pH and no Candida albicans was found.

The spectrum of opportunistic infections and malignancies among women on antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Background: Women are disproportionally affected by HIV and are at greater risk of OIs and malignancies. This study investigated the spectrum of OIs and malignancies among women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted among 3,817 WLHIV on Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) from 2007 to 2019 in Ethiopia. Data on OIs, malignancies, and clinical characteristics were retrieved from medical records. Prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates were measured over 13 years of follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and multivariable Cox-proportional hazard regression were used to estimate incidence and identify predictors of OIs and malignancies, respectively. Result: The pooled prevalence of OIs or malignancies was 47%. OIs accounted for 39% and malignancies were 23.3%. The incidence of OIs and malignancies were 19.4 (95%CI:9.2-29.5) and 11.5 (95%CI:2.2-20.8) per 100 person-years of observation, respectively. Incidence of candidiasis was 14.1 per 100 person-years followed by Lymphoma (11.9), Cervical Cancer (11.5), and TB (10.9). The risk of OIs was higher in patients with baseline CD4 count ≤500 cells/mm3 [AHR (95%CI): 2.0 (1.8-2.3)] and VL>1000 copies/ml [AHR (95%CI): 1.5 (1.1-1.9)]. Overall, 24.6% died, and of them, 62.2% had a history of OIs or malignancies. The risk of death was higher among WLHIV with a history of Toxoplasmosis, TB and PCP. Conclusion: OIs and malignancies was recently increasing and two-thirds of all deaths were associated with these co-morbidities. The high rates of OIs and malignancies were attributed to poor treatment outcomes. The finding calls to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of these co-morbidities. Abbreviations AIDS: acquired immune deficiency syndrome; CI: confidence interval; EPHI: Ethiopian Public Health Institute; HAART: highly active antiretroviral therapy; HIV: human immunodeficiency virus; HR: hazard ratio; Mg/dl: milligram per deciliter; TB: tuberculosis; PCP: pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; ZJU: Zhejiang University

Profile of neonatal candidiasis in tertiary neonatal intensive care unit: A report from a developing country.

Systemic candidiasis is an important nosocomial infection in neonatal intensive care units. The objective of this study was to identify the change in the profile of neonatal candidiasis in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in eastern India in recent times. It was a retrospective review of case records from 2014 to 2019 from a tertiary NICU of eastern India. Data of the fungal sepsis, demographic details, risk factors of fungal sepsis and mortality were collected from 103 neonates. One hundred and three neonates had blood culture positive for fungal species of which 91 (88.3%) infants weighed ≥1500 g and 66 (64%) infants were term. There was significant higher incidence of candidiasis among outborn (Relative risk of outborn 18.84, 95% CI 10.74-33.05). Prolonged antibiotic usage (>14 days), meropenem usage (>5 days), central catheterization (>5 days), invasive mechanical ventilation (>5 days), surgical intervention were found in 64 (62.1%), 46 (44.6%), 31(30.0%), 40 (38.8%) and 39 (37.8%) infants. Non albicans candida (NAC) was isolated as the predominant species (82/103, 79.6%). Resistance to both of fluconazole and amphotericin B were found in 19 (18.4%) babies. Presence of NAC infection and resistance to both amphotericin B and fluconazole were independent predictors of candida associated mortality in NICU. Neonatal candidiasis is found among outborn infants with higher birth weight and gestational age. NAC species are predominant organisms with resistance to common antifungal drugs.

Evaluation of citrus pectin capped copper sulfide nanoparticles against Candidiasis causing Candida biofilms

The incidence of candidiasis has significantly increased globally in recent decades, and it is a significant source of morbidity and mortality, particularly in critically ill patients. Candida sp. ability to generate biofilms is one of its primary pathogenic traits. Drug-resistant strains have led to clinical failures of traditional antifungals, necessitating the development of a more modern therapy that can inhibit biofilm formation and enhance Candida sp. sensitivity to the immune system. The present study reports the anticandidal potential of pectin-capped copper sulfide nanoparticles (pCuS NPs) against Candida albicans. The pCuS NPs inhibit C. albicans growth at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 31.25 μM and exhibit antifungal action by compromising membrane integrity and overproducing reactive oxygen species. The pCuS NPs, at their biofilm inhibitory concentration (BIC) of 15.63 μM, effectively inhibited C. albicans cells adhering to the glass slides, confirmed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Phase contrast microscopy pictures revealed that NPs controlled the morphological transitions between the yeast and hyphal forms by limiting conditions that led to filamentation and reducing hyphal extension. In addition, C. albicans showed reduced exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and exhibited less cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) after pCuS NPs treatment. The findings suggest that pCuS NPs may be able to inhibit the emergence of virulence traits that lead to the formation of biofilms, such as EPS, CSH, and hyphal morphogenesis. The results raise the possibility of developing NPs-based therapies for C. albicans infections associated with biofilms.

Speciation and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida isolated from Immunocompromised Patients of a Tertiary Care Centre in Gujarat, India

Candida species are one of the most common causes of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. An upsurge in incidence of less common species of Candida have been documented since last few years as the major cause of candidemia all over the world and they are also less susceptible to azoles, particularly fluconazole, than C. albicans. The purpose of study was speciation and antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida isolates, obtained from immunocompromised patients. The study included 150 consecutive immunocompromised patients and was initiated after the ethical approval from Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Institutional Ethical Committee (SVIEC). Informed consent was obtained from all and a Detailed Questionnaire regarding the Patient’s history and clinical findings were noted. All the specimens were subjected to a battery of microbiological examination for isolation, identification, and antifungal susceptibility testing. In our study, the incidence of candidiasis in immunocompromised patients was43.1%.C.tropicalis(n=23,37.09%) was the most common species isolated followed by C. albicans (n=20, 32.25%), C. glabrata (n=15,24.19%) and C. parapsilosis (n=4, 6.45%). The isolates showed 100% sensitivity to Amphotericin B and Nystatin, whereas 37.09% sensitivity to Ketoconazole, 20.9% sensitivity to clotrimazole, 19.35% sensitivity to itraconazole and 14.5% sensitivity to Fluconazole. The study undoubtedly indicates a substantial move in the species from C. albicans to Non-albicans Candida and with added resistance to common antifungal drugs.

Antifungal Potential of Purified Gambier (Uncaria gambir Roxb.)

The opportunistic Candida species that cause candidiasis are fungi that are infectious. The incidence of candidiasis has increased, due to prolonged antibiotic therapy and an increased number of immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to evaluate if Purifeid Gambier extracts have antifungal activity in vitro against Candida albicans. The antifungal activity of Purified gambir extract (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) with concentrations of 32%, 16%, and 8% was tested against Candida albicans using the agar diffusion method. Purified gambir extract at concentrations of 8%, 16%, and 32% showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans with an average inhibition zone diameter of 5.95 mm, 13.8 mm, and 15.9 mm, respectively. In conclusion, purified gambir extract (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) has strong antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

A Study on Subsite-specific Prevalence of Candidiasis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients and its Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The incidence of candidiasis can vary across various subsites within the head and neck region and is associated with various co-morbidities and risk factors. The increase in the incidence of resistant Non-albicans Candida (NAC) species among these patients and the limited number of available antifungal agents make treatment difficult. A better understanding of the subsite-specific prevalence of candidiasis and its antifungal susceptibility is crucial in enhancing effective control and treatment. Aim: To determine the subsite-specific prevalence of candidiasis among Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients undergoing therapy for head and neck malignancies at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, India over a four-year period (January 2019 to December 2022). A total of 276 patients aged 18 to 85 years with squamous cell carcinoma were included. Oral samples were collected from patients who developed candidiasis, and co-morbidities and risk factors were documented. Candida species were isolated and identified. Antifungal susceptibility was determined using the VITEK system, and fluconazole susceptibility was compared with the standard disc diffusion method. Data were entered into an Excel sheet and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Pharynx was the most frequent site of head and neck malignancy, accounting for 104 cases (37.7%), followed by the oral cavity with 83 cases (30.1%). Among patients with malignancies in the pharyngeal region, a high rate of Candida infection was observed in 42 (43.3%) out of 97 cases. Candida species isolated included C. albicans (56, 57.7%), C. tropicalis (26, 26.8%), C. krusei (8, 8.3%), C. glabrata (3, 3.1%), and C. parapsilosis (4, 4.1%). Sixty-five patients (23.5%) had diabetes, which was statistically significant (p-value <0.05). All C. albicans strains were sensitive to fluconazole. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of voriconazole was very low for all tested Candida species. Conclusion: Patients with pharyngeal and oral cavity carcinomas are at an increased risk of developing candidiasis during radiotherapy. Diabetes is significantly associated with candidiasis. While C. albicans was the most common species isolated, a significant number of NAC species were also identified. Voriconazole exhibited low MIC values for C. krusei and C. glabrata, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment option. Obtaining VITEK system identification and susceptibility reports is advisable for borderline values that may not be evident using conventional disc diffusion methods.

A Study on Subsite-specific Prevalence of Candidiasis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients and its Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The incidence of candidiasis can vary across various subsites within the head and neck region and is associated with various co-morbidities and risk factors. The increase in the incidence of resistant Non-albicans Candida (NAC) species among these patients and the limited number of available antifungal agents make treatment difficult. A better understanding of the subsite-specific prevalence of candidiasis and its antifungal susceptibility is crucial in enhancing effective control and treatment. Aim: To determine the subsite-specific prevalence of candidiasis among Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients undergoing therapy for head and neck malignancies at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, India over a four-year period (January 2019 to December 2022). A total of 276 patients aged 18 to 85 years with squamous cell carcinoma were included. Oral samples were collected from patients who developed candidiasis, and co-morbidities and risk factors were documented. Candida species were isolated and identified. Antifungal susceptibility was determined using the VITEK system, and fluconazole susceptibility was compared with the standard disc diffusion method. Data were entered into an Excel sheet and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Pharynx was the most frequent site of head and neck malignancy, accounting for 104 cases (37.7%), followed by the oral cavity with 83 cases (30.1%). Among patients with malignancies in the pharyngeal region, a high rate of Candida infection was observed in 42 (43.3%) out of 97 cases. Candida species isolated included C. albicans (56, 57.7%), C. tropicalis (26, 26.8%), C. krusei (8, 8.3%), C. glabrata (3, 3.1%), and C. parapsilosis (4, 4.1%). Sixty-five patients (23.5%) had diabetes, which was statistically significant (p-value <0.05). All C. albicans strains were sensitive to fluconazole. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of voriconazole was very low for all tested Candida species. Conclusion: Patients with pharyngeal and oral cavity carcinomas are at an increased risk of developing candidiasis during radiotherapy. Diabetes is significantly associated with candidiasis. While C. albicans was the most common species isolated, a significant number of NAC species were also identified. Voriconazole exhibited low MIC values for C. krusei and C. glabrata, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment option. Obtaining VITEK system identification and susceptibility reports is advisable for borderline values that may not be evident using conventional disc diffusion methods.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Candida auris, an Emerging Pathogen Isolated from Blood

Introduction:Candida auris has been reported from various health care settings and has recently gained importance because of its intrinsic resistance to many classes of antifungal agents and to disinfection. The outbreak potential and high mortality associated with Candida auris infection reinforces the need for speciation. Routine conventional methods are cumbersome and automated systems are unable to confirm up to species level. Materials and Methods:Candida auris isolates from consecutive non-repetitive blood cultures over a 1-year period were speciated based on phenotypic, physiological and biochemical tests and VITEK. Molecular confirmation was done by PCR-RFLP and MALDI-TOF. Anti- fungal susceptibility test was performed according to CLSI guidelines (2021), using suitable controls. Virulence factors such as production of Hemolysin, Phospholipase, Esterase and Bio-film production were demonstrated. RT-PCR was used to screen the COVID-19 status using SD-Biosensor kit. Baseline data and clinical history were collected and analysed. Results: Of 3632 blood cultures (0.77%), 28 Candida sp. were isolated including 9 Candida auris, (9/28, 32.14%). Of these 8 were from COVID-19 positive patients (88.89%), while 1 was from COVID-19 negative patient (11.11%). Two patients survived, while the remaining 7 patients succumbed to the disease. Conclusion: The increasing incidence of Candidiasis especially during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised the concern for early speciation. Through multi-modal strategies such as quick and correct identification, active surveillance, guided reporting, stringent infection control measures and correct use of anti-fungals through proper susceptibility testing, we can prevent the occurrence and spread of new Candida auris cases in the future.

Antifungal Potential of Some Herb Decoctions and Essential Oils on Candida Species.

(1) Background: Candidiasis is a fungal infectious disease caused by opportunistic Candida species. The incidence of candidiasis has improved, due to prolonged antibiotic therapy and an increased number of immunocompromised patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if decoctions and essential oil (EO) of neem (Azadirachta indica, Meliaceae family), coptidis (Coptis chinensis, Ranunculaceae family), magnolia (Magnolia officinalis, Magnoliaceae family), scutellaria (Scutellaria barbata, Lamiaceae family), and the EO of manuka (Leptospermum scoparium, Myrtaceae family), have antifungal activity in vitro against some clinically prevalent species of Candida. (2) Methods: The antifungal activity was studied by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) against five Candida strains. The effect in dimorphic transition of Candida albicans was also evaluated for the two plants with higher antimicrobial behavior. (3) Results: C. chinensis decoction and EO and L. scoparium EO exhibited antifungal activity in Candida spp. In addition to the fact that both C. chinensis decoction and EO proved strong antifungal activity, L. scoparium EO also displayed a relevant inhibitory effect on the dimorphic transition. (4) Conclusions: The results provided support for the potential use of C. chinensis and L. scoparium in the treatment of infections by Candida spp.