Caspofungin MIC Distribution amongst Commonly Isolated Candida Species in a Tertiary Care Centre - An Indian

Shashir Wanjare1, Rajarshi Gupta2, Preeti Mehta3

  • 1Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital , Mumbai, Maharashtra, India .

Abstract

Insights

Caspofungin resistance in Candida species is rare, with 6.67% of Candida albicans isolates showing resistance. Further studies are needed to understand the prevalence of caspofungin resistance in India.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Rising resistance to Amphotericin B and triazoles necessitates the use of echinocandins like caspofungin for invasive candidiasis.
  • Limited data exists on caspofungin susceptibility patterns in Indian Candida isolates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the antifungal susceptibility of clinical Candida isolates to caspofungin.
  • To establish a baseline for caspofungin resistance in the Indian context.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 60 preserved Candida isolates from invasive candidiasis cases.
  • Antifungal susceptibility testing using the Epsilometer (E-test) to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) for caspofungin.

Main Results:

  • Caspofungin resistance was detected in 6.67% of Candida albicans isolates.
  • No caspofungin resistance was observed in Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis.
  • Caspofungin resistance appears to be rare in the studied isolates.

Conclusions:

  • The emergence of caspofungin resistance highlights the need for further extensive studies with clinical correlation.
  • The E-test is a simple and effective method for assessing Candida susceptibility to caspofungin.
  • Continued surveillance of caspofungin resistance is crucial for effective invasive candidiasis management.

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