A Study of the Susceptibility of Candida Species Isolated from Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Patients to Antifungal Drugs

Abstract

Background: On a worldwide scale there is an increase in resistance in fungal infection (resistance,) which is crucial for people with compromised immune systems. One of the most frequent causes of fungal infections in these individuals is Candida fungus infection, which can have fatal consequences. This study aimed to investigate the (medication) antimicrobial sensitivity profile of Candida in HIV seropositive patients. Methods: The study included a total of 674 Candida isolates. Candida was isolated from clinical samples using wet mount, Gram stain, and SDA culture. Germ tube test, cornmeal agar morphology, sugar assimilation, fermentation tests, and BACT/ALERT 3D were used to further speciate the organisms. Results: Six and a half percent (6.5%) of the population was found to contain one or more Candida species. The most prevalent isolate was discovered to be 20 Candida tropicalis (45.45%), followed by 9 Candida albicans (20.45%), 7 Candida glabrata (15.9%), 4 Candida parapsilosis, and 4 Candida krusei. Antifungal susceptibility test performed by disk diffusion method revealed resistance to Amphotericin B in Candida tropicalis (25%), Candida albicans (33.33%) and Candida glabrata (28.5%). Conclusion: The clinician can select the most efficient antifungal drug with the help of a quicker identification of the Candida species in immunocompromised patients, thereby resulting in lower treatment costs and shorter hospital stays.