EMERGING TREND OF NON-ALBICANS CANDIDA SPECIES: CLINICOMICROBIOLOGICAL PROFILE AND ANTIFUNGAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN AMONG CLINICAL ISOLATES FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Abstract

Background: Clinical Candida infections continue to pose a significant healthcare burden worldwide, especially among hospitalized patients and individuals with compromised immunity. In recent years, a notable shift in the epidemiology of candidiasis has been observed, characterized by an increasing prevalence of nonalbicans Candida species and the emergence of antifungal resistance, which have created additional challenges in patient management.[21, 24] Aim: To evaluate the emerging trend of non-albicans Candida species, their Clinicomicrobiological profile, and antifungal susceptibility pattern among Candida isolates recovered from various clinical specimens in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: A cross - sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Ananta Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Rajasthan, India. A total of 180 Candida isolates recovered from different clinical specimens were included in the study. Identification of Candida species was performed using standard mycological methods including Gram staining, KOH mount, culture on Sabouraud Dextrose agar (SDA), germ tube test, sugar assimilation test and sugar fermentation tests and CHROMagar Candida medium. Antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out by disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.[20] Results: Out of 6317 clinical specimens received for culture and sensitivity testing during the study period, 180 Candida isolates were recovered, with an overall prevalence of 2.84%. Non albicans Candida species 118 (65.56%) were isolated more frequently than Candida albicans 62 (34.44%). Candida tropicalis was the predominant non-albicans species followed by Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida glabrata. Most isolates demonstrated good susceptibility to Amphotericin B, whereas reduced susceptibility to azole antifungal agents was observed among some nonalbicans Candida isolates. Conclusion: The study demonstrated an increasing predominance of non-albicans Candida species with variable antifungal susceptibility patterns. Routine species identification and antifungal susceptibility testing are essential for effective management of candidiasis and surveillance of emerging antifungal resistance.