Virulence factors' contribution to the pathogenicity of Candida species: a study based on the clinical isolates of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

In present era, both the Health Care Associated and community acquired infections are increasing steadily. The Leading International Fungal Education (LIFE) has observed that more than ~80% of worlds population is affected by serious fungal infections. Candida species can colonize biotic or abiotic surfaces and transmit via them. Candida genus consist more than 200 species with few of infection causing species. Candida albicans is one of the species which causes the majority of infections (~80%) while other species such as C. glabrata, C. dubliniensis, C. parapsilosis and C. krusei have recently been emerging in these infections. They reside within the body and become pathogenic as the immunity compromised of individual. Virulence factors contribute to spread, transmit and enhance the pathogenicity of the species. The study is focused on analyzing virulence factors of the Candida isolates obtained from patients of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Isolates were screened for germ tube formation and production of extracellular enzyme. Results of the study show that along with albican species, non-albicans are also emerging as pathogens. Observations state that blood sample type is most infectious. The study concludes with the statistical analysis of population crucial for preparation of prevention methods and cures to deal this life-threatening disease. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement This study was funded by Internal Research scientific committee. ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: Ethics committee of Dr. B Lal Institute of Biotechnology gave ethical approval for this work. I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes All data produced in the present work are contained in the manuscript.