High frequency of Candida fabianii among clinical isolates biochemically identified as Candida pelliculosa and Candida utilis

Abstract

Clinical yeast isolates belonging to Candida pelliculosa, Candida utilis and Candida fabianii are difficult to distinguish in a routine mycology laboratory using common biochemical tests. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of C. pelliculosa, C. utilis and C. fabianii in clinical samples and to compare their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to systemic antifungals. Two hundred and forty-eight clinical yeast isolates obtained from eight large hospitals in the Czech Republic were included in this study. Identification was performed biochemically using ID 32C kit and by MALDI-TOF MS. MICs were determined using colorimetric broth dilution Sensititre YeastOne panels. From a total number of 248 isolates, 175 were identified as C. pelliculosa and 73 as C. utilis using the biochemical kit. In contrast, MALDI-TOF MS identified 222 isolates as C. fabianii, 20 as C. pelliculosa and 6 as C. utilis. The highest mean MICs were found in C. fabianii and, regardless of the studied species, in isolates from blood cultures and central venous catheters. MALDI-TOF MS revealed C. fabianii to be most prevalent in clinical samples as compared with the other studied species. Higher MIC values in C. fabianii support the importance of correct identification of this species.

Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Profiles of Cyberlindnera fabianii in Korea

“…In a recent survey of Czech hospitals, Cy. fabianii has emerged as a significant yeast with the same frequency as Candida lusitaniae and Candida guilliermondii [1]. In addition, Hof et al [16] reported that neonates are relatively prone to the infection by Cy.…”

“…Bhally et al [17] also reported that API 20 C did not identify the yeast. In addition, Svobodova et al [1] mentioned that morphological identification and common biochemical kits cannot distinguish non-albicans clinical isolates such as C. pelliculosa, Cy. jadinii (previously C. utilis), and Cy.…”

“…NAC species as well as Candida albicans can infect a broad range of body sites as opportunistic pathogens. With the increase in the number of patients showing acquired immune deficiency syndrome, the fungal infections caused by NAC species have been reported with a higher incidence rate [1]. Cyberlindnera fabianii (basionym Hansenula fabianii), one of the NAC species, is known as a rare cause of invasive human infection.…”

“…Recently, the case reports of fungal infections caused by Cy. fabianii in blood and urine have increased worldwide such as in China, Croatia, India, Czech and South Korea [1,[3][4][5].…”

Scientific Opinion on the update of the list of QPS‐recommended biological agents intentionally added to food or feed as notified to EFSA†

“…Svobodova et al. () compared biochemical identification of clinical yeast isolates to Wickerhamomyces anomalus / Candida pelliculosa and L. jadinii / C. utilis , with MALDI‐TOF MS identification of the same isolates. The MALDI‐TOF, identified the majority of the isolates as Candida fabianii , a non‐QPS species.…”