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Published on: December 28, 2017
Identification of Candida Species from Clinical Samples in a Honduran Tertiary Hospital
Kathy Montes1, Bryan Ortiz1, Celeste Galindo1,2
1Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras.
Abstract:
Candida species are one of the most important causes of human infections, especially in hospitals and among immunocompromised patients. The correct and rapid etiological identification of yeast infections is important to provide adequate therapy, reduce mortality, and control outbreaks. In this study, Candida species were identified in patients with suspected fungal infection, and phenotypic and genotypic identification methods were compared. A total of 167 axenic fungal cultures and 46 clinical samples were analyzed by HardyCHROM®, MicroScan®(Omron Microscan Systems Inc, Renton, WA, USA), and PCR-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms). The species of the C. albicans complex were the most frequent, followed by C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. Less common but clinically relevant species of Candida were also isolated. The comparison between the three methods was concordant, especially for the most common Candida species. Fungal DNA amplification was successful in all clinical samples.
Insights
Accurate identification of Candida yeast infections is crucial for effective treatment. This study compared phenotypic and genotypic methods, finding high concordance, especially for common Candida species, ensuring reliable diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candida species are significant causes of human infections, particularly in hospital settings and among immunocompromised individuals.
- Rapid and accurate etiological identification of yeast infections is vital for appropriate therapy, mortality reduction, and outbreak control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify Candida species in patients with suspected fungal infections.
- To compare the performance of phenotypic and genotypic identification methods for Candida species.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 167 axenic fungal cultures and 46 clinical samples.
- Utilized HardyCHROM®, MicroScan®, and PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms) for species identification.
- Successful fungal DNA amplification was achieved in all clinical samples.
Main Results:
- The most frequently isolated species belonged to the Candida albicans complex, followed by Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata.
- Less common but clinically relevant Candida species were also identified.
- A high degree of concordance was observed between the three identification methods, particularly for the most prevalent Candida species.
Conclusions:
- Phenotypic and genotypic methods demonstrate high concordance for identifying common Candida species.
- These diagnostic approaches are reliable for clinical use in suspected fungal infections.
- Accurate Candida species identification is essential for guiding patient treatment and managing hospital-acquired infections.
