Abstract

GUPTA, Veenu; MALHOTRA, Anchal; CHHINA, Deepinder  and  SINGH, Akashdeep. Characterization of Candida species in blood stream infections. Salud(i)ciencia [online]. 2018, vol.22, n.8, pp.719-726. ISSN 1667-8682.

Abstract Introduction: Candidemia has become an important bloodstream infection that is frequently associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Candida species account for 70-80% of invasive bloodstream fungal infections and represent the fourth most common nosocomial bloodstream infections. The identification of Candida species is important as the number of non albicans Candida species is increasing and they are becoming more resistant to antifungal drugs. The aim of the study was to isolate and identify various Candida species associated with candidemia and to study their antifungal susceptibility pattern. Materials and methods: Patients suspected of having BSI were enrolled on a one-year prospective study. Patient's demographic details, duration of hospital stay, associated risk factors and outcome were studied. Blood samples were analyzed by BacTAlert automated system. Identification and antifungal susceptibility testing of yeasts was done using VITEK-2 compact system. Results: Of 3146 blood cultures received, Candida species were isolated in 30 samples (0.9%). The majority of candidemia cases were in males (66%). The most common risk factors were use of broad spectrum antibiotics, central line and mechanical ventilation. Among the yeast isolates, non albicans Candida species were predominant (60%) compared to C. albicans (40%). Candida albicans showed 100% susceptibility to azoles and amphotericin whereas non albicans Candida species showed resistance. Of these 30 patients, 5 patients died. Conclusion: Prevalence of non albicans Candida was greater than C. albicans and cases were more resistant to antifungal drugs. Therefore surveillance for candidemia should be carried out in hospitalized patients.

Keywords : candidemia; Candida albicans; non albicans Candida; antifungal; Candida.

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