Isolation and identification of Candida and Non albicans Candida species using chromogenic medium

Abstract

Background: Identification of Candida to species level is required to reduce morbidity and mortality as non albicans candida species are being recovered with greater frequency nowadays.CHROM Agar has the advantage of rapid identification and speciation of Candida by making use of chromogenic substrates. Material and Methods: A prospective study was carried out from February 2014 to May 2014. The material for the study constituted various clinical samples that were sent routinely to the microbiology laboratory for culture and sensitivity testing. CHROM Agar Candida was used to differentiate Candida species along with standard yeast identification methods and antifungal susceptibility testing. Results: A total of 45 Candida species isolates were recovered in which Non albicans candida 35(77.78%) remained higher in comparison to C. albicans 10(22.22%) with C. krusei 15(33.3%), C.glabrata 13(28.9%) and C.tropicalis 7(15.6%).C.albicans was isolated mainly from respiratory medicine ward (5), C. troplicalis from medical intensive care unit (03), C. glabrata and C.krusei with eleven isolates each from neonatal intensive care unit. C.krusei (26.67%) and C.glabrata (26.67%) remained predominant in blood, C.tropicalis (13.33%) in urine and C.albicans (8.89%) in sputum.C.albicans sensitivity to Fluconazole, Voriconazole and Amphotericin B was 70%, 70% and 90% respectively. C.krusei remained resistant to Voriconazole (60%) but susceptible to Amphotericin B (80%) whereas C. tropicalis depicted sensitivity of 71% to both Fluconazole and Amphotericin B. Conclusion: CHROM Agar Candida shows good potential in identification of azole and amphotericin B resistant candida species, which in combination with local antifungal susceptibility pattern shall help to optimize the initiation of antifungal therapy and further avoid treatment failures.