Full text loading...
Biofilm profile of Candida isolated from clinical specimens at a Tertiary Care hospital in India
Abstract
Introduction
Candida species are a leading cause of infections in immunocompromised hosts. Usage of indwelling medical devices provides ample opportunity for Candida biofilms to set up a nidus for infection that is not easily amenable to conventional antifungal therapy.
Materials and Methods
A total of 100 Candida isolates from patients with suspected candidiasis were tested for production of biofilm. Based on clinical history, 62% of the patients were found to have clinically significant infection with Candida while in 38% of the patients, Candida isolates represented commensals. Biofilm production was detected and graded by visual (test tube) and spectrophotometric (microtiter plate) methods.
Results
Fifty five percent of the Candida isolates produced biofilm. Biofilm producing abilities of clinically significant isolates (80%) was found to be significantly higher than commensals (20%). Biofilm positive Candida isolates were most commonly obtained from blood (34.5%). Biofilm production in non-albicans Candida (67.9%) was found to be significantly higher than C. albicans (38.6%). Majority of the biofilm positive Candida isolates produced Grade 2 (moderate) biofilm. Candida tropicalis accounted for maximum biofilm production comprising 20% Grade 4, 53.8% Grade 3 and 50% Grade 2 biofilm. Concordance in grading between the two methods was observed in 72.7% of the isolates. Spectrophotometric method was found to be more sensitive than visual method for detection of Candida biofilm.
Conclusion
The importance of studying Candida biofilms is to ascertain new therapeutics and techniques to manage these infections clinically and improve the outcome as these are associated with high morbidity, mortality and resistance to antifungal drugs.
- Published Online:
© 2020 The Authors