Isolates Of Candida Species Research Articles

Vaginal colonization, vertical transmission rate, antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and associated factors of potential neonatal pathogens among pregnant women at public health facilities of Northeast Ethiopia

BackgroundVaginal colonization by pathogenic bacteria increases the risk of bacterial infections such as sepsis, which is associated with high neonatal mortality. More than half a million newborn deaths occur globally each year due to infections that lead to sepsis. However, the problem is worsening in Ethiopia the evidence of vaginal colonization and vertical transmission is scarce.MethodsA healthcare facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dessie town from April 1 to June 30, 2023, among 348 pregnant women and their newborns. Socio-demographic, clinical, and related data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Vaginal swab samples from pregnant women and pooled external ear, nasal area, and umbilical swab samples from the newborns were collected and transported using Amies transport media. Samples were inoculated into blood agar, Todd Hewitt selective enrichment broth, and MacConkey agar for bacterial isolation, and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and CHROM Agar for Candida species isolation. The antimicrobial susceptibility was performed on isolates using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 25.0. Logistic regression model was used to identify the associated factors. Finally, variables with p < 0.05 and their 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 348 pregnant women attending vaginal delivery were included in the study. The maternal colonization and vertical transmission rates were 55.5% (193/348) and 53.9% (104/348), respectively. The most frequent potential pathogen among pregnant women was Escherichia coli (27.6%), followed by Candida spp. (14.1%), and Klebsiella spp. (6%). Similarly, the predominant isolates in the newborns were E. coli (16.4%), Candida spp. (6.3%), and Klebsiella spp. (3.6%). The overall multidrug resistance levels of potential pathogens were 37.3%. Living with domestic animals (p = 0.001), having premature rupture of membrane (p = 0.010) and history of urinary tract infection (p = 0.013) were significantly associated with maternal colonization. Potential pathogen colonization newborn was significantly associated with duration of labor (p = 0.024) and low birth weight (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe finding of the present study revealed that vaginal colonization and vertical transmissions of potential pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance is still a significant problem. This alarms the urgency of evidence based-intervention to improve maternal and neonatal health.

P-2217. Effect of Gut Bacterial Diversity on Mortality in Patients with Candidemia

Abstract Background The gut microbiota plays an important role in defense against infectious diseases. However, only a limited number of clinical studies have investigated the microbiome in patients with candidemia. The aims of this study were to determine the nature of intestinal microbiome and to investigate the effects of gut microbiota on mortality in patients with candidemia. Methods This pilot study was conducted at a 1048-bed university-affiliated hospital in Seoul, South Korea, from November 2022 to February 2024. The study included adult patients (≥18 years old) diagnosed with candidemia. Total DNA was isolated from stool, and high-throughput sequencing was performed. Clinical data were collected from patient medical records. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of in-hospital mortality. Results A total of 55 patients were identified. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 41.8%. The most commonly isolated Candida species was Candida albicans (36.4%), followed by Candida tropicalis (34.5%), Candida parapsilosis (18.2%) and Candida glabrata (7.3%). The most predominant bacteria species in their intestinal microbiome were Enterococcus species followed by Enterobacteriacea groups. The median Shannon diversity index [median (interquartile ranges); 2.4 (1.5-2.8) vs 1.6 (1.0-2.1), P = 0.015] and abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE) richness index [71.3 (39.3-97.7) vs 32.2 (15.6-61.2), P = 0.021] of the gut microbiota were significantly higher in survivors than in non-survivors. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, septic shock [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 8.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-62.0, P = 0.030] and Shannon diversity index (adjusted HR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.7, P = 0.012) were independently associated with the in-hospital mortality. Conclusion Our findings suggested that low gut bacterial diversity was independently associated with increased mortality in patients with candidemia. Exploring the variation of microbiome will potentially reveal new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of candidemia in the future. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Molecular identification of SAP9, SAP10 genes with virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility profile among Candida species isolated from women with urinary tract infections

Background. In recent years, there has been a rise in the occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Candida pathogens. This increase is attributed to the growing resistance of these pathogens to antifungal drugs often used for their treatment. Many virulence factors encoded by virulent genes, which enable opportunistic Candida to invade host tissues and cause infection, for survey the existence of SAP9 andSAP10 genes with determine some virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility profiles among Candida species isolated from women suffering from urinary tract infections. Methods. For this investigation, urine specimens were gathered from female individuals residing in Thi-Qar Province, located in southern Iraq, over the period spanning from December 2022 to March 2023. The identification of all isolates was performed using several laboratory techniques, including assessment of colony characteristics on culture media, Gramme staining, germ tube formation, and analysis of morphological chromatic features on chromogenic agar. The identification was further validated using PCR analysis. All isolates were assessed for their production of extracellular secretory proteinase and hemolysin. Additionally, they were tested for antifungal activity using the disc diffusion method. The DNA was isolated, and the PCR technique was employed to identify the presence of virulence genes (SAP9 and SAP10). Results. A total of 50 Candida species isolates were collected from 150 urine samples. These isolates belonged to four different species within the Candida genus. The most found species was C. albicans, accounting for 54% of the isolates. This was followed by C. krusei at 24%, C. glabrata at 16%, and C. tropicalis at 6%. Proteinase activity was observed in 84% of Candida isolates. All Candida isolates exhibit positive hemolysin production with varying degrees of intensity. Among Candida species showed high resistance to Itraconazole (86%) and Clotrimazole (76%). The prevalence of SAP9 and SAP10 genes among Candida albicans was 62.69% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions. The present study highlights the prevalence of SAP genes and virulence factors with antifungal susceptibility which reflect high pathogenicity of Candida species.

Isolation, identification and antifungal susceptibility of Candida species in postmenopausal women

Abstract— The term "vulvovaginal candidiasis" refers to an inflammatory, non-erosive Vulvovaginitis characterized by symptoms such as itching, pain, dyspareunia, and discharge. The condition is treated with antifungal medication if a positive culture from a low vaginal swab reveals Candida. It should be mentioned that these people had ongoing medical conditions. VVC had previously been classified as acute or recurring. It appears that estrogen is a key permissive factor in VVC. Clinical findings have demonstrated that VVC is uncommon in premenopausal and postmenopausal women and that the post-menopausal vagina rarely contains isolated Candida. The study aimed to know the relationship between Vulvovaginitis and candida in postmenopausal women and effectiveness of some antifungals. A total of 100 postmenopausal women With Vulvovaginitis, aged 45 to 69, had vaginal swabs taken from them. Upon arrival at the laboratory, all samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar . The species of the isolated yeasts were identified by a variety of methods, including molecular analysis with primers ITS1–ITS4, growth on Chrom agar medium, and biochemical analyses. Result: candida in postmenopausal women is less than in per menopausal due to effectiveness of estrogen hormone in reproductive age . The outcomes On Chrom agar showed, six species of candida—C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, and c. rugosa—were isolated. Among the other species, C. glabrata was discovered to be the most prevalent. The findings demonstrated that four species of yeast-like fungi were identified using molecular diagnosis and genetic testing as follows:

Detection of Mutated erg11 and fks1 Genes among Resistant Candida Species Isolated in Pregnant Women in Mbarara, Uganda

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is estimated to range between 35-60% among pregnant women worldwide. The emergency of anti-fungal resistance in Candida species against azoles and caspofungin is a rising concern because there is a limited range of choices of antifungals to be used in pregnant women with low toxicity. In Uganda, the burden of vulvovaginal candidiasis is estimated to be 48%. However, there is limited data regarding in vitro phenotypic and genotypic anti-fungal susceptibility patterns among candida species isolated from pregnant women. Thus, this study aimed to screen for the two mutated famous erg11 and fks1 genes that lead to anti-fungal resistance among clinical candida isolates. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 90 Candida species isolates previously collected from a larger study carried out from Mbarara regional referral hospital. Phenotypic susceptibility methods (Kirby-Bauer and minimum inhibitory concentration) while Polymerase chain reaction method and gel electrophoresis were used for detection of the amplified mutated ERG11 and FKS1 genes. Mean and chi-square tests were used to evaluate the associations of resistance patterns between resistant and susceptible isolates. Results: Out of the 90 Candida isolates recovered, 56% were Candida albicans, C.glabrata were 31.11% (28/90), C. parapsilosis and C.famata accounted for 4.44% (4/90) each, C. krusei accounted for 3.33% (3/90) while C. tropicalis accounted for 1.11% (1/90). All the Candida isolates were susceptible to caspofungin while fluconazole resistance was 34.4%. The FKS1 mutated gene was not detected in randomly selected caspofungin susceptible isolates. The ERG11 mutated gene was detected in 80.6% of the fluconazole-resistant isolates and 87.5% of the isolates with intermediate activity towards fluconazole. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that mutated erg11 gene causes reduced fluconazole drug susceptibility (p-value 0.001). Susceptible dose dependence should not be ignored as it may be associated with ERG11 gene mutation leading to resistance to fluconazole.

Isolation of Candida Species Is Associated with Comorbidities, Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation, and Treatment Outcomes in Surgical ICU Patients, a Cross-Sectional Study.

The isolation of Candida may be related to comorbidity, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and survival during intensive care unit (ICU) stay, especially with non-albicans Candida (NAC). To examine the frequency of Candida isolation, associated comorbidities and outcomes in the surgical ICU in Osijek University Hospital, Croatia, the data from the electronic database from May 2016 to 30 June 2023 were analyzed. In a cross-sectional study examining 15,790 microbiological samples, different strains of Candida were observed in 581 samples from 236 patients. The control group (N = 261) was 130 consecutive patients from March to May 2019 and 131 in the same months in 2020 (pre- and post-COVID-19). Comorbidities, duration of mechanical ventilation, and survival were compared. Patients with isolated Candida were more often non-elective and had significantly more heart, kidney, and liver diseases and sepsis than the control group (p < 0.001). The duration of mechanical ventilation was 9.2 [2.2-9.24], 96 [24-146], 160 [19.5-343], and 224 [73.5-510] hours in the controls, in patients with Candida albicans, in patients with NAC, and in patients with ≥2 Candida species isolated, respectively. The mortality was significantly higher (42%) in patients with isolated Candida than in the control group (19%, p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis adjusted for patients' age, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, days of ICU, and type of admission, only sepsis on admission was an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio = 2.27).

Vaginal candidiasis prevalence, associated factors, and antifungal susceptibility patterns among pregnant women attending antenatal care at bule hora university teaching hospital, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundVulvovaginitis is common in women of reproductive age group characterized by purulent white discharge. The incidence of vulvovaginitis has risen recently due to the resistance of Candida species to commonly used antifungal agents and recurrent infections.ObjectiveThe study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated factors, and antifungal susceptibility patterns of vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women attending Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to August 2023. Using systematic random sampling, 317 pregnant women participated in the study. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Chromogenic Candida Differential Agar were used to isolate and identify Candida species from clinical samples. Antifungal susceptibility was performed using a modified disc diffusion method. Epi data version 4.6 was used for data entry and Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 25 was used for statistical analysis. A P-value < 0.05 was declared statistically significant.ResultThe prevalence of vaginal candidiasis was 26.8% (95%, CI 21.9–31.72%). History of using contraceptives (AOR = 5.03, 95%CI, 1.21–11.37), past vaginal candidiasis (AOR = 6, 95%CI, 1.61–12.92), pregnant women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (AOR = 4.24, 95%CI, 1.23–14.14), diabetic mellitus (AOR = 2.17, 95%CI, 1.02–4.64), history of antibiotic use (AOR = 3.55, 95%CI, 1.67–12.75), pregnant women in third trimester (AOR = 8.72, 95%CI, 1.30–23.07), were the significantly associated factors for vaginal candidiasis. The study revealed that itraconazole, amphotericin B, and miconazole were the most effective antifungal drugs for all Candida isolates.ConclusionThe present study has identified a high prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women. The isolated Candida species showed resistance to fluconazole, ketoconazole, and clotrimazole. Therefore, healthcare providers should increase awareness of the risks of Candida infections to reduce Candida species among pregnant women. Physicians should prescribe suitable medications based on antifungal drug test outcomes to treat pregnant women with vaginal candidiasis.

Inspecting Candida Oral Infections among Diabetics

Objective: Oral candidiasis infection is more prevalent in diabetic patients. There are numerous factors that can exacerbate the colonization of Candida species in the oral cavity, including salivary pH disorders and xerostomia. The study aimed to evaluate Candida spp. resistance to antifungal agents and compare their colonization levels in diabetics and nondiabetics oral cavities. Methods: We conducted the investigation from February 2023 to April 2023. We conducted the following analyses after collecting 100 oral samples: gram stain, culture on Sabaroud dextrose agar, and direct microscopic inspection. The Vitek 2 System confirmed the yeasts through carbohydrate assimilation profiles. Results: Out of 100 oral samples cultured, 69 yielded Candida species. Fifty-two samples were from diabetics and 17 were from nondiabetic patients. The frequencies of isolated Candida species, including C. albicans, were 28, C. tropicalis 17, C. krusei 16, C. glabrata 6, and C. dubliniensis 2. The results indicated that C. albicans exhibited higher resistance rates against clotrimazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole than the no albicans Candida species. Clotrimazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole, on the other hand, showed no effect on 11, 29, and 18 samples for all Candida species, respectively. Conclusion: C. albicans was the most prevalent Candida species in people with diabetes; however, other Candida species were common. Fluconazole and nystatin often treat oral Candida infections.

Genotypes analysis and antifungal susceptibility of Candida albicans strains isolated from women with vaginal candidiasis in Jordan using PCR targeting 25SrDNA and ALT repeat sequences of the RPS.

Genotypic identification of the etiologic agents of vaginal candidiasis (VC) is of significance in epidemiologic studies and in the establishment of adequate treatment protocol. The aim of this study was to determine the antifungal susceptibility and gene diversity of C. albicans isolated from a group of Jordanian women with VC. A total of 312 isolates of candida species, recovered from women with vaginal candidiasis who attended gynecology clinics affiliated to three major private hospitals in Amman over a period of five months (July 2020 to December 2020) were included in this study. The isolated Candida were characterized by phenotypic and genotypic means. Genotypic studies were performed using specific PCR primers of the rDNA and RPS genes. Susceptibility testing of all C. albicans isolates was conducted following the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards and E-test strips. Candida albicans was the most dominant Candida spp. that caused VC among the studied population. C. albicans isolates were found to be of three different subtypes at the 25S rDNA gene. All isolates belonged to genotypes A, B and C while genotypes D and E were not detected. The diversity of C. albicans was higher on the basis of RPS region where the use of two markers (P-I and P-II) resulted in the identification of nine distinct C. albicans subtypes. The sensitivity testing revealed variations in the susceptibility of various genotypes to different antifungal drugs. Genotype A isolates were more susceptible to fluconazole, flucytosine and ketoconazole than genotypes B and C. Candida albicans incriminated as etiologic agents of vaginitis among Jordanian women exhibited relationship between various genotypes and antifungal drugs.

Evaluation of Epidemiological Pattern of Candida Species Associated with Candidemia from A Tertiary Care Facility in South India

Candidemia ranks the 4th most prevalence cause of bloodstream infections and stands out as the primary cause of invasive fungal infections among hospitalized patients. Its incidence varies globally from 0.33 to 6.51 episodes per 1000 admissions, representing a major public health burden due to its increasing incidence and high mortality rates. The present research work has been conducted to identify the distribution of Candida species among septicemic patients and to determine the patterns of antifungal susceptibility of Candida species isolates from them in a tertiary care center in South India. Among the 88 Candida isolates, 13 (14.8%) were speciated and identified as C. albicans and 75 (85.2%) were Candida non-albicans. Of them, C. tropicalis (42%) ranks more prevalent. The distribution of virulence factors among 88 Candida isolates revealed that 49 isolates (55.7%) exhibited phospholipase activity, hemolysin production was detected in 68.2% of isolates, biofilm production was demonstrated in 73.9% isolates and coagulase activity was observed in 46.7% isolates. In the present study, Candida species were most sensitive to Amphotericin B (94.3%), which is followed by Caspofungin (93.2%), Voriconazole (92%), Micafungin (90.9%), and the least was observed with Flucytosine (78.4%) and Fluconazole (71.5%). Thus, in order to improve treatment responses, the insights acquired from this research will aid in clinical management and the development of antifungal stewardship recommendations.

Impact of Candidemia on Survival Rates in Major Burn Patients: A Retrospective Study from the South of Türkiye

Abstract Objective In severely burned patients, fungal infections are among the most devastating complications. Candidemia is an important cause of mortality with an increasing incidence despite advances in burn care management. Higher affected body surface area, long intensive care unit (ICU) stay, flame burn, third-degree burn, and previous bacterial infections were associated with the development of candidemia. Candidemia in patients with major burns admitted to an ICU of a tertiary burns center is investigated. Methods Patients hospitalized in the ICU of Adana City Training and Research Hospital from July 1, 2017, to November 10, 2020, were included. The demographic and clinical variables, the Candida species isolated from blood cultures and their antifungal susceptibilities, need for grafting, complications, and rate of mortality are evaluated retrospectively. Patients were grouped as “candidemia” or “noncandidemia” according to whether or not they experienced Candida bloodstream infection. Results A total of 371 patients were included; the mean age was 22.02 ± 20.9 years. Most patients were male (69.5%). The percentage of burned surface area was 25.93 ± 17.6. The mean ICU stay was 16.95 ± 16.3 days. There were 90 candidemia episodes in 69 patients. The most commonly isolated Candida species were C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. albicans. The mortality rates in the candidemia and noncandidemia groups were 24.6 and 5.6%, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion Adhering to isolation rules, early wound debridement and closure, avoidance of catheters where possible, and avoidance of the early use of broad-spectrum antibiotics are important measures in reducing candidemia in patients with major burns. Candidemia was associated with greater burn surface areas, duration of hospital stay, and larger numbers of interventional procedures. However, previous bacterial infection receiving prolonged antibiotic therapy was the greatest risk factor of candidemia. Culture results are important to select the antifungal agent with high susceptibility, but results are not rapidly available. There is need for early clinical prediction measures to inform early and effective antifungal treatment.

Isolation and identification of Candida species from catheter-associated urinary tract infection in Thamar city hospitals, Yemen.

The incidence of urinary tract infections associated with Candida is increasing in Yemeni public hospitals. The primary objective of this research was to isolate specific Candida species responsible for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and to examine the antifungal sensitivity of these Candida isolates. A total of 200 samples were collected from patients with catheters admitted to multiple hospitals of Thamar city (Yemen). There were 50 positive samples with Candida out of 200 samples. We conducted the primary identification process using the established protocols. Before isolation and identification, all yeast isolates underwent sub-culturing on Sabouraud dextrose agar. We employed the standard microbiological procedures such as Gram staining, colonial morphology analysis, lactophenol cotton blue assay, germ tube formation assessment, colony staining on chrom agar Candida medium, and incubation at 37°C for 48h. The assessment of cultures was conducted by evaluating their predominant species. All Candida isolates were tested for antifungal susceptibility using the disk diffusion technique, as indicated by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M44-A document recommendations. In this study, the prevalence of Candida species obtained from catheter-associated UTIs was shown to be the highest among individuals aged 51-60years (28.0%) and the lowest was among those aged 10-20years (8.0%). Males exhibit higher rates than females, with males accounting for 56.0 and females for 44.0%, respectively. The predominant strain from catheters linked to urinary tract infections was Candida albicans. The Candida isolates had the highest susceptibility to itraconazole, with fluconazole and nystatin at sensitivity rates of 64, 60, and 50%, respectively. Amphotericin B and ketoconazole exhibited the most elevated concentrations. The p value of duration of catheterization < 5 was significant (p = 0.01), as well as significant in anti-fungal susceptibility testing of itraconazole, ketoconazole, and nystatin which are (p = 0.03), (p = 0.04), and (p = 0.03) respectively. Urinary tract infection due to candiduria was more common in patients with indwelling urinary catheter. The catheter-associated urinary tract infection caused by Candida species occurred mainly in old male patients. Candia albicans was the predominant Candida species isolated from urinary tract infection associated with urinary catheter at Thamar city hospitals. This study determined that diabetes and antibiotic use are significant predisposing factors associated with isolation of Candida in specimens submitted by patients at Thamar city hospitals.

Antifungal Activity of Piperine-based Nanoemulsion Against Candida spp. via In Vitro Broth Microdilution Assay

Candidemia leaves a trail of approximately 750,000 cases yearly, with a morbidity rate of up to 30%. While Candida albicans still ranks as the most predominantly isolated Candida species, C. glabrata comes in second, with a death rate of 40–50%. Although infections by Candida spp are commonly treated with azoles, the side effects and rise in resistance against it has significantly limited its clinical usage. The current study aims to address the insolubility of piperine and provide an alternative treatment to Candida infection by formulating a stable piperine-loaded O/W nanoemulsion, comprised of Cremophor RH40, Transcutol HP and Capryol 90 as surfactant, co-surfactant, and oil, respectively. Characterization with zetasizer showed the droplet size, polydispersity (PDI) and zetapotential value of the nanoemulsion to be 24.37 nm, 0.453 and -21.10 mV, respectively, with no observable physical changes such as phase separation from thermostability tests. FTIR peaks confirms presence of piperine within the nanoemulsion and TEM imaging visualized the droplet shape and further confirms the droplet size range of 20–24 nm. The MIC90 value of the piperine-loaded nanoemulsion determined with in vitro broth microdilution assay was approximately 20–50% lower than that of the pure piperine in DMSO, at a range of 0.8–2.0 mg/mL across all Candida spp. tested. Overall, the study showed that piperine can be formulated into a stable nanoemulsion, which significantly enhances its antifungal activity compared to piperine in DMSO.

Candiduria in Catheterized Children’s Patients: Association with UT, In-vitro Biofilm Formation, and Standardized VITEK 2 System for Isolated Candida Species

Candiduria in Catheterized Children’s Patients: Association with UT, In-vitro Biofilm Formation, and Standardized VITEK 2 System for Isolated Candida Species

Fighting Emerging Caspofungin-Resistant Candida Species: Mitigating Fks1-Mediated Resistance and Enhancing Caspofungin Efficacy by Chitosan.

Invasive candidiasis poses a worldwide threat because of the rising prevalence of antifungal resistance, resulting in higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, Candida species, which are opportunistic infections, have significant medical and economic consequences for immunocompromised individuals. This study explores the antifungal potential of chitosan to mitigate caspofungin resistance in caspofungin-resistant Candida albicans, C. krusei, and C. tropicalis isolates originating from human and animal sources using agar well diffusion, broth microdilution tests, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis of treated Candida cells. Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to assess the expression of SAGA complex genes (GCN5 and ADA2) and the caspofungin resistance gene (FKS) in Candida species isolates after chitosan treatment. The highest resistance rate was observed to ketoconazole (80%) followed by clotrimazole (62.7%), fluconazole (60%), terbinafine (58%), itraconazole (57%), miconazole (54.2%), amphotericin B (51.4%), voriconazole (34.28%), and caspofungin (25.7%). Nine unique FKS mutations were detected, including S645P (n = 3 isolates), S645F, L644F, S645Y, L688M, E663G, and F641S (one isolate in each). The caspofungin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values before chitosan treatment ranged from 2 to 8 µg/mL and 4 to 16 µg/mL, respectively. However, the MIC and MFC values were decreased after chitosan treatment (0.0625-1 µg/mL) and (0.125-2 µg/mL), respectively. Caspofungin MIC was significantly decreased (p = 0.0007) threefold following chitosan treatment compared with the MIC values before treatment. TEM analysis revealed that 0.5% chitosan disrupted the integrity of the cell surface, causing irregular morphologies and obvious aberrant changes in cell wall thickness in caspofungin-resistant and sensitive Candida isolates. The cell wall thickness of untreated isolates was 0.145 μm in caspofungin-resistant isolate and 0.125 μm in sensitive isolate, while it was significantly lower in chitosan-treated isolates, ranging from 0.05 to 0.08 μm when compared with the cell wall thickness of sensitive isolate (0.03 to 0.06 μm). Moreover, RT-qPCR demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the expression levels of histone acetyltransferase genes (GCN5 and ADA2) and FKS gene of caspofungin-resistant Candida species isolates treated with 0.5% chitosan when compared with before treatment (fold change values ranged from 0.001 to 0.0473 for GCN5, 1.028 to 4.856 for ADA2, and 2.713 to 12.38 for FKS gene). A comparison of the expression levels of cell wall-related genes (ADA2 and GCN5) between caspofungin-resistant and -sensitive isolates demonstrated a significant decrease following chitosan treatment (p < 0.001). The antifungal potential of chitosan enhances the efficacy of caspofungin against various caspofungin-resistant Candida species isolates and prevents the development of further antifungal resistance. The results of this study contribute to the progress in repurposing caspofungin and inform a development strategy to enhance its efficacy, appropriate antifungal activity against Candida species, and mitigate resistance. Consequently, chitosan could be used in combination with caspofungin for the treatment of candidiasis.

Susceptibilidad antifúngica y producción de fosfolipasas en Candida albicans y no albicans ailadas en un hospital de Chiclayo, Perú

Objective: Determine the antifungal susceptibility and phospholipase production in Candida albicans and non-albicans in clinical samples from a hospital in Chiclayo, Peru. Material and methods: 60 isolates were identified with morphophysiological tests, while phospholipase production was determined using the semiquantitative method on Sabouraud dextrose agar plates supplemented with egg yolk, and susceptibility was performed using the disk diffusion method with fluconazole and voriconazole. Results: 95,5% of C. albicans were sensitive to fluconazole and voriconazole, while C. tropical and C. parapsilosis showed 100% sensitivity to both azoles. 14 strains of C. albicans had the highest production of phospholipase with 23,3% while the lowest was C. tropical with 25%. Conclusions: there was a high sensitivity to fluconazole and voriconazole in the isolates of Candida species. While 100% of C. albicansshowed phospholipase production.

Combined activity of blue vitriol, brimstone and black stone on clinical Candida species isolates using fractional inhibitory concentration Index

Combination antimicrobial therapy (CAT) involves intentional addition of two or more antimicrobial agents for better therapeutic outcome. CAT is normally applied for treatment of polymicrobial infections, life-threatening infections and prevention of the emergence of resistance. This research aimed at determining the combined activity of blue vitriol, brimstone and black stone on clinical Candida species isolates using Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index. The brimstone, blue vitriol and black stone samples were purchased from a community market in southeastern Nigeria. The isolates were obtained from high vaginal swab samples of patients attending a Teaching hospital in Nigeria and identified based on their morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the samples were determined using the broth dilution method. The fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICI) of the samples against the isolates were obtained from their individual FIC values. FICI of &lt;1 indicates synergism; 1 to 2 (Indifference); while &gt;2 (antagonism). All the test agents were synergistic against C. albicans (FICI &lt; 1). All the test agents were indifferent against C. tropicalis (FICI 1 - 2). Brimstone + black stone combination was indifferent (FICI 1 - 2) against C. glabrata; while all the test agents were antagonistic against the isolate (FICI &gt; 2). Blue vitriol + Black stone combination was antagonistic (FICI &gt; 2) against C. parapsilosis; Blue vitriol + brimstone was indifferent (FICI 1 - 2); while brimstone + black stone was synergistic (FICI &lt; 1). The findings have revealed that antimicrobial combination outcome could be synergistic, antagonistic or indifferent; thus the need for proper in vitro screening before combination therapy.

Evaluation Study of Petroselinum Crispum Extract Toward Pathogenic Isolates of candida

Objectives: The aim of this study was to isolation and identify the isolated genetically if candida species from candidiasis infection and study the activity of bioactive compounds. Methods: Samples were obtained from 28 patients from the mouth of patients with oral candidiasis. Samples were collected from the Child Specialized Hospital, Al-Faiha General Hospital Dermatologist Dr. Laith Globe Lazim Al-Kinani (Master of Dermatology, PhD in Dermatology, Iraqi Ministry of Health, Al-Fayhaa Teaching Hospital) aided in the diagnosis of clinical cases and molecular analysis then tested the activity of the mint plant extract on it and compared it with the antifungal nystatin. Results: Mint leaf extract showed activity against Candida isolates. The extract was non-toxic, and C. albicans was the most common Candida. Conclusions: The methanolic extract of Petroselinum crispum in this study showed good inhibition activity against the isolated Candida species.

Risk analysis of candidemia and its effect on mortality in COVID 19 and non COVID 19 patients

Background and Objectives: Candidemia is the most common serious fungal infection in critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICU). It series fourth among bloodstream infectious agents. In this study, candidemia risk analysis was examined in COVID 19 and non-COVID 19 patients during the pandemic period. Materials and Methods: COVID 19 and non-COVID 19 cases who were followed up with candidemia in the ICU of our hospital were retrospectively screened. Demographic data, intubation, central venous catheter (CVC), medications, and to- tal parenteral nutrition (TPN) status were evaluated in terms of risk between the two groups. Isolated Candida species and susceptibilty were evaluated. Results: When age, gender, medication, intubation, TPN and CVC were evaluated, no difference was seen in terms of risk. Differences were detected in terms of comorbidities. While the most frequently identified Candida species was C. albicans, the most frequently detected species in the COVID19 patient group was C. parapsilosis. Conclusion: There was no difference in candidemia incidence and risk factors between the two groups. Since candidemias were evaluated in terms of comorbidities, it was determined that Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and chronic obstructive pulmoner disease (COPD) were more common in patients with COVID 19 and less common in coronary artery disease (CAD) and malignancy.

Comparison of Candida colonization in intensive care unit patients with and without COVID-19: First prospective cohort study from Turkey.

Candida species are the primary cause of fungal infections in intensive care units (ICUs). Despite the increasing prevalence of Candida-related infections, monitoring the progression of these infections from colonization in COVID-19 ICU patients lacks sufficient information. This study aims prospectively to compare 62 COVID-19 and 60 non-COVID-19 ICU patients from admission to discharge in terms of colonization development, rates, isolated Candida species, risk factors, and Candida infections during hospitalization. A total of 1464 samples were collected at specific time intervals from various body sites [mouth, skin (axilla), rectal, and urine]. All samples were inoculated onto CHROMagar Candida and CHROMagar Candida Plus media, and isolates identified using MALDI-TOF MS. COVID-19 patients exhibited significantly higher colonization rates in oral, rectal, and urine samples compared to non-COVID-19 patients, (p<0.05). Among the Candida species, non-albicans Candida was more frequently detected in COVID-19 patients, particularly in oral (75.8%-25%; p<0.001) and rectal regions (74.19% - 46.66%; p<0.05). Colonization with mixed Candida species was also more prevalent in the oropharyngeal region (p<0.05). Mechanical ventilation and corticosteroid use emerged as elevated risk factors among COVID-19 patients (p<0.05). Despite the colonization prevalence, both COVID-19-positive and negative patients exhibited low incidences of Candida infections, with rates of 9.67% (n=6/62) and 6.67% (n=3/60), respectively. Consequently, although Candida colonization rates were higher in COVID-19 ICU patients, there was no significant difference in Candida infection development compared to the non-COVID-19 group. However, the elevated rate of non-albicans Candida isolates highlights potential future infections, particularly given their intrinsic resistance in prophylactic or empirical treatments if needed. Additionally, the high rate of mixed colonization emphasizes the importance of using chromogenic media for routine evaluation.