Identification of Candida species and Antifungal Sensitivity Testing by Disc Diffusion Method

Abstract

Candida is an opportunistic fungi responsible for causing Candidiasis when the patients immunity is low. Emergence of Nonalbicans Candida along with Candida albicans is also increasing. Increased use of antifungal drugs, use of antibiotics, long term use of catheters has contributes to resistance to antifungal drugs. Isolation of Candida species by conventional and Hichrome agar was done. Antifungal sensitivity testing was done by disc diffusion method. Aim of the study is to identify the Candida species from various samples by conventional method and on Hichrome agar; To do the antifungal sensitivity of Candidial species by disc diffusion method. Total samples received in mycology section in microbiology laboratory were 138. Out of these 102 shows Candida species. All these Candida species were grown on Conventional methods and Hichrome agar. Among the 102 Candida isolates, Candida albicans were 47(46%) and Non albicans Candida were 55 (53.9%). In non albicans Candida, Candida tropicalis 33 (32.3%) Candida glabrata 13(12.7%), Candida krusei 5(4.9%), Candida parapsilosis 3(2.9 %) and Candida dublinesis 1(0.9 %) were found. All candida species grown on Conventional method equally grow on Hichrome agar Candida albicans was commonest isolates in Urine and sputum samples. Whereas Candida tropicalis was commonest isolate in Blood cultures, Pus, Tracheal aspirate and CSF. Anifungal sensitivity of Candida species was done by Disc diffusion method against Amphoterecin B, Flucanozole and Itracanozole. Amphoterecin showed 100% sensitivity to Candida species. Resistant was seen in Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis to antifungal drugs. Other species does not show resistance. Candida albicans showed resistance to Itracanozole 22(47%) and Flucanozole 17(36%). Candida tropicalis showed resistance to Itracanozole 6(18%) and Flucanozole 5(15.1%). Candida albicans was the commonest isolate followed by Candida tropicalis. Nonalbicans Candida was reported at higher rate than Candida albicans. Hichrome agar is rapid method for identification of Candida species .Resistance to antifungal agents is seen in Candida species. Resistance to antifungal drugs for Itracanozole and Flucanozole by Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis is noted. The other Candidial species does not show resistance. Identification of correct Candida species and antibiotic sensitivity testing is necessary for correct treatment. Candida albicans and Nonalbicans Candida are also responsible for causing hospitalized infection. Hichrome agar gives early identification of Candida species. Resistance to azole group of antifungal is noted.