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Published on: June 24, 2025
Isolation, characterization, and molecular identification of Candida species from urinary tract infections
Amin Gharanfoli1, Elaheh Mahmoudi2, Roya Torabizadeh3
1Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
Background And Purpose:
Candida species are reportedly the most common human fungal pathogens. The incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Candida pathogens has increased in recent decades. However, such infections rarely occur in the absence of any predisposing factors. Regarding this, the aim of the present study was to identify the Candida species causing UTIs and determine the predisposing factors for candiduria.
Materials And Methods:
The current study was conducted on 1,450 urine samples obtained from patients suspected of UTI. Out of this number, 19 cases were candidiasis, and 2 cases were mixed infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Candida species were diagnosed differentially using the germ tube test, colony staining on CHROMagar medium, intracellular beta-glucosidase enzyme activity, and glucose absorption pattern. Then, the colonies with the same morphology were confirmed by the DNA sequencing of internal transcribed spacer regions.
Results:
According to the results, 38%, 28.6%, 14.3%, and 9.5% of the isolates were identified as C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. kefir/C. krusei, respectively. The presence of one or more predisposing factors was proved in all patients in whom diabetes was the most prevalent predisposing factor (21.1%).
Conclusion:
Based on the obtained results, C. albicans species was the most prevalent fungal species. In addition, urinary fungal infections were less prevalent than bacterial urinary infections.
Insights
Candida albicans is the most common cause of fungal urinary tract infections (UTIs). Diabetes is a significant predisposing factor for these infections, which are less common than bacterial UTIs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Urology
Background:
- Candida species are leading causes of human fungal infections.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Candida have increased.
- Candiduria typically occurs with predisposing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify Candida species responsible for UTIs.
- Determine predisposing factors for candiduria.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 1,450 urine samples from suspected UTI patients.
- Utilized germ tube test, CHROMagar, enzyme activity, and glucose absorption for species identification.
- Confirmed isolates via DNA sequencing of internal transcribed spacer regions.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans was the most prevalent species (38%).
- Other identified species included C. glabrata (28.6%), C. tropicalis (14.3%), and C. kefir/C. krusei (9.5%).
- All patients with candiduria had predisposing factors, most commonly diabetes (21.1%).
Conclusions:
- Candida albicans is the primary fungal pathogen in UTIs.
- Fungal UTIs are less frequent than bacterial UTIs.
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