Abstract :
Introduction: Candida species are recognized as the most important fungal pathogens with significant
contribution to the morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. C. albicans is the leading cause of fungal
infections until the recent emergence of non albicans Candida (NAC) infections, therefore transforming the
current epidemiological trends.
Materials and Methods: The clinical samples received in the microbiology department were cultured
on Sabouraud ’ s dextrose agar followed by identification and sensitivity testing of Candida species using
automated VITEK 2-compact (biomerieux) instrument.
Results and Discussion: The present study also shows the prevalence of NAC species with C. utilis
being the most significant isolate from neonatal blood cultures. C. utilis is generally considered as an
industrial yeast with low virulence, hence occasionally reported from clinical samples. However, their
clinical relevance should be interpreted with strong clinical and microbiological correlation.
Conclusion: Surveillance for emerging fungal pathogens is essential to monitor the changing
epidemiological trends for controlling the spread of NAC species
Keyword :
Non albicans Candida, Candida utilis, Fungemia, Virulence.