Volume :

3

Issue :

1

Abstract :

BACKGROUND Most of patients with candiduria are asymptomatic. However, in immunocompromised patients like HIV-infected individuals, it has high risk of morbidity and mortality as it is a good indicator of disseminated infection and fungemia. AIM To isolate and characterize Candida species in HIV seropositives patients with asymptomatic candiduria and to determine distribution of Candida species in different CD4+ cell counts categories. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group comprised of 55 males and 45 females, of which 50 were on ART and 50 were not on ART. Clean catch mid stream urine specimens were collected from patients and urine was inoculated on SDA, incubated at 370 for 48-72 hours. RESULTS 14 of 100 subjects had candiduria. Out of 14 Candida species, 5 candida albicans and 9 non-albicans candida species were isolated. The prevalence of candiduria was high among patients who were not on HAART (43%) than in individuals who were on HAART (18%) with CD4+ count >200 cells/μl. CONCLUSION Measures to reduce candiduria prevalence, such as early diagnosis, prompt treatment with appropriate antifungals and strict compliance with HAART regimen are advocated to reduce the morbidity and mortality in HIV positive patients.