Isolation of Candida Species in clinical specimens and its virulence factor: The biofilm .
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Date
2012-07
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Abstract
Background: Candida species are now recognized as major causative agents of hospital-acquired
infection. One of the major factors contributing to the virulence of Candida is its ability to form
surface-attached microbial communities known as "biofilms". The importance of Candida biofilms is
because of its increased resistance to antifungal therapy and the ability of cells within biofilms to
withstand host immune defenses.
Objective: This study was undertaken with the objectives of isolating the Candida species and
identifying its virulence factor – the biofilm and to determine the role of biofilm in pathogenicity.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted amongst the clinical specimens
collected from the critical care wards of a tertiary care Hospital at Navi Mumbai from Jan 2009- Feb
2010. Care was taken to collect the samples before any anti fungal treatment. Candida spp were
isolated and identified by standard techniques.
Results: Out of total 200 different clinical specimens collected and processed, the most commonly
isolated species was C. albicans(61.36 %) along with non albicans like C. parapsilosis (9.1%) C.
pseudotropicalis (13.64 %) and C. glabrata (15.9%).
Conclusion: The data suggests that the capacity of Candida species to produce biofilm appears to
be a reflection of the pathogenic potential of the isolates. Isolates of Candida parapsilosis, Candida
pseudotropicalisand Candida glabrata all gave significantly less biofilm growth then C. albicans.
Description
Keywords
Biofilm, Candida Species, Clinical Specimens
Citation
Nerurkar Alka, Solanky Priti, Chavda Nilesh, Baria Hinal, Desai Binita. Isolation of Candida Species in clinical specimens and its virulence factor: The biofilm . International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health. 2012 ; 1(2): 97-100.