Santosh University Journal of Health Sciences

Characterization and Risk Factors of Candida Species in Nosocomial Blood Stream Infections

Full Text PDF

Article Type : Null

Author Details: Jyoti Pal, Dakshina Bisht

Volume : 1

Issue : 2

Online ISSN : 2455-1732

Print ISSN :

Article First Page : 57

Article End Page : 59

Abstract

Background: Blood Stream Infections (BSIs) due to Candida species are known to cause significant morbidity and mortality. The epidemiology of Candida infection has changed over the last two decades and the proportion of BSIs due to Non Albicans Candida(NAC) species has also increased.
Aim: To detect the pattern of Candida species in blood stream infected patients.
Materials and Methods: Candida isolates were speciated by conventional techniques (Germ tube, Hi-Crome Agar, Corn Meal Agar and Sugar fermentation Test).Clinical details and risk factors were recorded and analyzed.
Results: A total of 141 Candida strains were isolated from 132 patients of which 109(82.6%) were reported in adults followed by 23 (17.4%) in children <20 years of age. Most common Candida spp. isolated was C. tropicalis (22.7%) followed by C. haemulonii (21.2%), C. albicans (18.4%), C. parapsilosis (17.7%), C. glabrata (9.2%), C. pelliculosa (5%), C. guilliermondii and C. krusei (3%).  Mixed strains of C. albicans and NAC species were found in nine cases.
Conclusions: Spectrum of Candida BSIs has shifted dramatically from C. albicans to NAC spp. Hence, this study makes it clear that routine screening is essential for accurate diagnosis and to start timely treatment appropriately which is essential towards saving patient’s lives.

Key Words: Candidemia, C. albicans, NAC species, Blood Stream Infections (BSIs)

Doi No:-10.18231