International Journal of Multidisciplinary Health Sciences and Research

Category: Original Article,      DOI: Recived: 02/05/2024, Accepted: 16/07/2024, Published online: 28/07/2024

Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns and Species Distribution of Candida Strains from Clinical Samples in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Prospective Study

Anjali Singh1, Sashi Kant2, Yogendra Singh3, Ramesh Yadav4*

Abstract:

Background: The increasing incidence of Candida infections and increasing number of non-albicans Candida species pose significant challenges in the clinical management. This present investigation aimed to explore the species dispersal and antifungal properties of Candida isolates in a tertiary care centre. Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study completed in 12 months. Candida isolates from various clinical samples were isolated using available conventional and chromogenic media methods. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using conventional disk diffusion method using antifungal agents including amphotericin B, fluconazole, and voriconazole. Results: Overall, 159 Candida isolates were acquired, comprising C. albicans (50.94%) being the predominant species, and subsequently C. tropicalis (27.04%), C. krusei (16.35%), and C. parapsilosis (5.66%). Urine samples yielded the highest number of isolates (54.1%). Antifungal susceptibility test results showed highest susceptibility to amphotericin B (96.85%) and voriconazole (93.71%), while fluconazole showed lower susceptibility (71.69%). C. krusei demonstrated complete resistance to fluconazole. Conclusion: The significant presence of non-albicans Candida isolates and varying antifungal susceptibility patterns underscore the significance of species-level characterization and susceptibility examination for guiding appropriate antifungal therapy. The emerging resistance to fluconazole highlights the need for judicious practice of antifungal compounds and the implementation of antifungal stewardship programs.