Characterization, Antifungal Susceptibility and Phenotypic Virulence Markers of Candida Isolates from Blood Stream Infection

Background: Candidemia is a blood stream infection which is caused by various Candida species in children and adults. About more than 200 species of Candida are identified and only about 10% of Candida species cause human infections. In the Blood Stream Infection (BSI), Candida is the 4 most common isolated organism in the hospitalized and critically ill patients. Identification of Candida species in blood stream infection and antifungal susceptible pattern is urgent need for diagnosis of Candidemia. Objective: To study the spectrum of Candida species in blood stream infection and to study the antifungal susceptibility pattern and virulence factors. Material and Method: A total of 1500 blood culture samples were collected in one year (20192020) at King George Medical University, Lucknow. Out of 1500 patients, 100 blood cultures were positive for Candidemia. Identification of Candida species was done by conventional technique and reconfirmed by MALDI-TOF. Antifungal susceptibility pattern was performed for accuracy of drug concentration which helps clinicians for treatment of patients.