“changing Trends of Candida Species and Its Rapid Identification from Various Clinical Samples at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kanpur”

Candida species have emerged as a major cause of human disease, especially among the immunocompromised and those hospitalized with serious co-morbid conditions. The aim of this study was to detect the clinical distribution of candida species and its rapid identification in a tertiary care hospital. Materials & Methods: A total of 48 candida isolates from various clinical specimens were processed as per the standard microbiological procedures. They were further speciated by Hichrome agar (Hi-media), the germ tube test, chlamydospore formation on corn meal agar and carbohydrate asimilation tests. Results: Out of 48 Candida isolates obtained, 42% were from male patients and 58% were from female patients, found in the age group of 20 40 years. The distribution of the clinical samples was urine 31%, blood 20.8%, sputum 16.7%, vaginal swab 10.4%, pus 10.4%, body fluid 6.3% and foley’s tip 4.2%. Non albicans candidia species (54%) was the most common species isolated from these samples followed by C.albicans (46%). The distribution of non C.albicans (54%) was C. krusei (23%), C. glabrata (13%), C. dublinensis (10%) and C. tropicalis (8%). The specificity and sensitivity of Hichrome agar was 98%. Conclusion: It can be concluded from our results that the prevalence of non-C.albicans species is greater than C.albicans. The species level identification of the Candida isolates using chrome agar medium would enable the laboratories to rapidly identify and speciate the clinically important candida species. This can greatly influence the treatment options for the clinician and may have an impact on the patient care that can potentially reduce the patient’s morbidity and mortality.