Detection of Candida Species in Genitourinary Tract among Immunocompromised Patients Attending Rural Teaching Hospital.

Abstract

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 Candidaalbicans (63.64%), followed by Candidatropicalis (12.73%) and Candidaglabrata (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.