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Phenotypic variation and antifungal susceptibility patterns of Candida albicans strains isolated from neutropenic

N Kiraz1, O Anğ, Y Akgün

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey. nkiraz@ogu.edu.tr

Mycoses
|July 25, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Candida albicans strains exhibit distinct phenotypes, with the stipple phenotype showing higher resistance to fluconazole. This finding is crucial for treating infections in immunocompromised patients.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Candida albicans is a common opportunistic fungal pathogen.
  • Phenotypic variations in C. albicans can influence antifungal susceptibility.
  • Neutropenic patients are at high risk for invasive candidiasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between C. albicans phenotypes and susceptibility to fluconazole, amphotericin B, and flucytosine.
  • To identify specific C. albicans phenotypes associated with reduced antifungal efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and phenotypic characterization of 122 C. albicans strains from clinical specimens of neutropenic patients.
  • Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for fluconazole, amphotericin B, and flucytosine against each phenotype.

Main Results:

  • Six distinct C. albicans phenotypes (smooth, fuzzy, irregular, star, ring, stipple) were identified.
  • The stipple phenotype exhibited significantly higher mean MICs for fluconazole compared to other phenotypes.
  • MIC ranges varied across phenotypes and antifungal agents, highlighting differential susceptibility.

Conclusions:

  • The stipple phenotype of C. albicans demonstrates reduced susceptibility to fluconazole, necessitating clinical attention.
  • This finding is particularly relevant for managing fluconazole treatment failures and severe infections in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Long-term fluconazole use may contribute to the emergence of resistant stipple phenotypes.

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