Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2025
Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
Published on: December 28, 2017
Detection of Candida Species in Genitourinary Tract among Immunocompromised Patients Attending Rural Teaching
Ashma Khatun1, Amisha Sharma, Seema Solanki
1Department of Microbiology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital, Kumarhatti, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Background:
Opportunistic mycosis such as candidiasis are those fungal infections that are found in patients with underlying predisposing conditions such as old age, immunosuppressive therapy, HIV, tuberculosis, and pregnancy. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a major source of morbidity in women of all ages, older men and infant boys caused by bacterial as well as fungal agents. Fungal infections, especially Candida species are found to cause candidiasis in pregnant women causing various complications such as urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.
Materials And Methods:
The samples of genitourinary tract such as urine, high vaginal swabs, vaginal discharge, and catheter tips were examined for isolation and identification of Candida species.
Results:
A total of 498 samples were processed, of which 55 Candida species were obtained from urine, HVSs, vaginal discharge, and catheter tips. The most prevalent species were Candida albicans (63.64%), followed by Candida tropicalis (12.73%) and Candida glabrata (10.90%). The most effective drug against all the Candida species isolates was Caspofungin showing 100% sensitivity.
Conclusions:
Maximum number of Candida species was obtained from the urine samples among pregnant female patients aged between 21 and 40 years with C . albicans being the most predominant fungus causing opportunistic fungal infections. Caspofungin was the most effective drug in these isolates. The study emphasizes the need for species-specific therapy and routine screening, especially in pregnant women.
Insights
Opportunistic fungal infections, particularly candidiasis, are common in pregnant women. Candida albicans is the most frequent cause, and Caspofungin is the most effective treatment, highlighting the need for targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Women's Health
Background:
- Opportunistic mycoses, like candidiasis, affect immunocompromised individuals and those with conditions such as pregnancy.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant cause of illness, with fungal agents, especially Candida species, posing risks during pregnancy.
- Pregnancy-associated candidiasis can lead to complications including pelvic inflammatory disease and chronic pelvic pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and species distribution of Candida in genitourinary tract samples from pregnant women.
- To identify the most effective antifungal agent against isolated Candida species.
Main Methods:
- Genitourinary tract samples (urine, vaginal swabs, discharge, catheter tips) were collected from 498 individuals.
- Candida species were isolated and identified using standard microbiological techniques.
- Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed, with a focus on Caspofungin.
Main Results:
- Fifty-five Candida species were isolated from the processed samples.
- Candida albicans was the most prevalent species (63.64%), followed by Candida tropicalis (12.73%) and Candida glabrata (10.90%).
- Caspofungin demonstrated 100% sensitivity against all isolated Candida species.
Conclusions:
- Candida species, predominantly Candida albicans, are frequently isolated from urine samples of pregnant women aged 21-40.
- Caspofungin is highly effective against these opportunistic fungal isolates.
- The study underscores the importance of species-specific antifungal therapy and routine screening for candidiasis in pregnant women.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:26Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction