Speciation and Biofilm formation in Candida species isolated from various clinical samples

Background and Objective: Candida albicans a normal commensal of human mucosal surfaces and opportunistic pathogen in immune-compromised states, diabetes mellitus and iatrogenic factors like antibiotic use, indwelling devices, intravenous catheters, etc. Most infections are caused by C.albicans, the shift towards treatment resistant non albicans candida (NAC) species is evident in recent years. One of the important factors contributing to the virulence of Candida species is the formation of surface attached microbial communities known as “Biofilm”. Thus this study is undertaken to identify, isolate, speciate and to determine Biofilm production. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 Candida species isolated from various clinical samples were processed in the department of Microbiology, AIMS, B.G.Nagara for a period of 6 months from Oct 2014 to March 2015. Isolates were from vaginal swab (76%), urine (15.3%), exudates (6.7%) and endotracheal aspirate (2%). Samples were inoculated onto Sabouraud’s dextrose agar (SDA) & chrom agar (Himedia, Bombay). Growth on SDA was speciated by standard methods using Germ tube, Corn meal agar, slide culture, sugar fermentation and sugar assimilation tests. By the colour of colonies on chrom agar, isolates were speciated. Result: Out of 150 Candida species studied, 63 were C.albicans (42%) and 87 NAC (58%). A total of 78 (52%) candida species were biofilm producers and 72 (48%) non biofilm producers. Conclusion: The above results shows increasing isolation of NAC when compared to C.albicans and Biofilm production from candida species.