Spectrum of Fungal Isolates in Different Clinical Samples

Abstract

BACKGROUNDFungal infections are on the rise due to changing practices in medical care; increase in the immunocompromised states, and due to increase in the use of antibiotics and steroid therapy. Currently, the awareness levels among the medical personnel regarding fungal diseases are lacking. More and more cases of fungal infections are being reported from cases of AIDS, malignancy, and transplant recipients, patients in ICU or on steroid therapy. Indiscriminate use of antibiotic therapy is another reason for the growing incidence of fungal infections. MATERIALS AND METHODSA retrospective study was undertaken to know the burden of fungal infection in different clinical samples. A total number of 3146 clinical samples from different in-patient departments processed in the microbiology laboratory of a tertiary care teaching hospital were analysed. The samples were processed for microscopy by KOH mount, Gram stain, negative stain, Lactophenol cotton blue stain and culture on SDA with Chloramphenicol, BHI broth (for blood), Dalmau culture on CMA, Slide culture and relevant biochemical tests depending on the type of sample and were identified by standard algorithm. RESULTSIt was seen that most of the isolates belonged to yeasts comprising C. albicans (45%) followed by C. tropicalis (33.6%). The samples from the genital tract, oropharyngeal swabs, blood, urine, CSF and faeces showed no isolation of filamentous fungi. Moulds were mainly isolated from respiratory samples, skin and its appendages, aural swabs and deep wounds. Dermatophytes formed the major isolates from skin and its appendages. CONCLUSIONA more detailed study is needed to know the socio-epidemiological prevalence of these infections and their burden in the community and in hospitalised patients.