Prevalence of Candida species and their antifungal susceptibility patterns among patients in tertiary care setting Butwal, Nepal: A cross-sectional study

Authors

  • Sachin BK Students, Department of Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Crimson College of Technology, Pokhara University, Butwal, Rupandehi, Nepal
  • Bhumi Roka Students, Department of Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Crimson College of Technology, Pokhara University, Butwal, Rupandehi, Nepal
  • Barsha Bishwokarma Students, Department of Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Crimson College of Technology, Pokhara University, Butwal, Rupandehi, Nepal
  • Baliram Yadav Students, Department of Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Crimson College of Technology, Pokhara University, Butwal, Rupandehi, Nepal
  • Gautam Prasad Chaudhary Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Crimson College of Technology, Pokhara University, Butwal, Rupandehi, Nepal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5317-8035
  • Jitendra Pandey Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2201-7255
  • Khimdhoj Karki Assistant Professor, Department of Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Crimson College of Technology, Pokhara University, Butwal, Rupandehi, Nepal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9877-3404
  • Ram Bahadur Khadka Assistant Professor, Department of Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Crimson College of Technology, Pokhara University, Butwal, Rupandehi, Nepal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2763-8261

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v15i4.57264

Keywords:

Antifungal agents; Candida; CHROMagar; Fungal infections; Non-albicans Candida

Abstract

Background: Candida species, commonly present in the human body, can result in severe infections. Non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, with increasing antifungal resistance, pose a growing concern.

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate candidiasis prevalence and antifungal susceptibility in isolated Candida species among suspected patients at tertiary care hospitals in Butwal, emphasizing early identification and appropriate treatment to avoid unnecessary use of toxic antifungal drugs.

Materials and Methods: In a descriptive study on 303 patients with clinical symptoms of Candida infections, specimens underwent direct microscopic examination and culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Species identification involved phenotypic methods such as chromogenic character on CHROMagar Candida media, germ tube examination, and microscopic characteristics. Subsequently, isolated species were tested for antifungal susceptibility using the disc diffusion method.

Results: Among the 303 samples tested, 80 (26.4%) were positive for candidal infection. NAC species were the most commonly isolated, with Candida albicans and Candida krusei being the most virulent. The isolates exhibited the highest sensitivity to fluconazole (77.5%) followed by itraconazole (75%), whereas amphotericin B showed the lowest effectiveness with 63.75% resistance.

Conclusion: The rising prevalence of NAC species, particularly their growing resistance to Amphotericin B, has become a significant concern, as these species are frequently detected in various clinical samples. These findings underscore the importance of diligent monitoring and judicious selection of antifungal agents to ensure effective treatment strategies.

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Published

2024-04-02

How to Cite

Sachin BK, Roka, B., Bishwokarma, B., Yadav, B., Chaudhary, G. P., Pandey, J., Karki, K., & Khadka, R. B. (2024). Prevalence of Candida species and their antifungal susceptibility patterns among patients in tertiary care setting Butwal, Nepal: A cross-sectional study. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 15(4), 153–159. https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v15i4.57264

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 4 (2024)

Section

Original Articles

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