Isolation, Molecular Characterization and antifungal susceptibility of Candida species in immunocompromised patients

Afroz Abidi; Danish H. Kazmi; Ghizal Fatima; Najah Hadi; M Tauseef Khan

Volume : VIII, Issue : VI, June - 2019

Isolation, Molecular Characterization and antifungal susceptibility of Candida species in immunocompromised patients

Afroz Abidi, Danish H. Kazmi, Ghizal Fatima, Najah Hadi, M Tauseef Khan

Abstract :

The emergence of non–albicans Candida species as significant pathogens has been well recognized and numerous records have documented the increased incidence of non–albicans species among hospitalized and immunosuppressed patients. Dissimilarity between species and strain identification through molecular characterization helps understanding the epidemiology of Candida species especially concerning about the method of transmission so that effective actions can be taken to prevent and control transmission of resistant pathogens. The present study was taken up with a view to get a better insight into the regional profile of Candida infections in immunocompromised patients from the native and catheter related sites, from hospitalized and non–hospitalized patients with suspected fungal infection and their correlation with patient parameters, which may help in determining effective treatment approaches. C. albicans is still the predominant isolate in immunocompromised patients but frequency of infection with non–albicans group is increasing especially C. parapsilosis. Fluconazole resistance was not seen in C. albicans group, but is increasing in non–albicans group. None of the Candida isolates showed resistance to Amphotericin B. Evidence suggests that some species of Candida have a great propensity to cause systemic, nosocomial, and superficial infections than other species.