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Evaluation of Virulence Factors and Antifungal Susceptibility in Yeast Isolates from Postmortem Specimens
Gulhan Yagmur1, Hafize Sav2, Nihan Ziyade1
1Department of Postmortem Microbiology, Council of Forensic Medicine, Kimiz Sok No:1 34196 Bahçelievler/İstanbul, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Invasive fungal infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, especially in cases requiring a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit. A total of 99 yeast strains were isolated from 42 postmortem cases. In this study, virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility of these species were evaluated. The isolates were identified as Candida albicans (54), C. tropicalis (15), C. glabrata (12), C. parapsilosis (6), C. lipolytica (3), C. utilis (3), C. krusei (2), C. kefyr (1), and Cryptococcus neoformans (3). The most commonly isolated species was C. albicans, and no resistant species were determined. Despite the equal number of specimens, no secretion of significant virulence factors was associated with the postmortem specimen in the Candida species. Postmortem fungal investigations in forensic autopsies are useful in explaining cause of death in such cases, also may lead to protocols for the treatment of fungal infections and contribute to fungal pathogenesis and epidemiological data.
Insights
Postmortem fungal investigations identified 99 yeast strains, with Candida albicans being most common. No antifungal resistance was found, suggesting these studies aid in determining cause of death and improving fungal infection treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Forensic Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections pose significant risks to immunocompromised patients, particularly those with prolonged intensive care unit stays.
- Yeast infections contribute to morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence, virulence factors, and antifungal susceptibility of yeast strains isolated from postmortem cases.
- To assess the utility of postmortem fungal analysis in forensic investigations and clinical management.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of 99 yeast strains from 42 postmortem cases.
- Evaluation of virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility profiles for identified yeast species.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species (54 strains), followed by C. tropicalis (15) and C. glabrata (12).
- No yeast isolates exhibited antifungal resistance.
- No significant correlation was found between virulence factor secretion and postmortem specimens in Candida species.
Conclusions:
- Postmortem fungal investigations are valuable in forensic autopsies to elucidate cause of death.
- Findings can inform treatment protocols for fungal infections and contribute to understanding fungal pathogenesis and epidemiology.
