Determining the colonization rate of immunodeficient patients with Candida species and species sensitivity to antifungal drugs

Background: Candidiasis falls into the most prevalent fungal infections created by opportunist Candida species. The number of patients prone to infection with opportunist microorganisms is on the rise in recent years. This study aims to determine the frequency and drug sensitivity of Candida species derived from immunodeficient patients hospitalized in Kerman trial hospitals, southeastern Iran.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on immunodeficient patients hospitalized in Afzalipour and Bahonar hospitals in Kerman during 2012-2013. After obtaining informed consent, data collection forms were completed for all patients by themselves or their parents in the pediatric and adult oncology department. Then, nasal and oral samples were collected from the patients and sent to a laboratory for cultures and sensitivity determination to antifungal medicines. The results of laboratory tests were added to the information form. Data were analyzed using descriptive tests (frequency and relative frequency) and the Chi-squire analytic test.

Results: From 173 patients, 111 (64.2%) cases were male. Many patients (80.2%) had cancer or were under chemotherapy. A history of antifungal treatment was found in 20 (11.6%) patients. A total of 94 (33.9%) cases had positive fungal cultures. Totally, nine Candida species and a Sporobolomyces salmonicolor were collected from the samples. Candida albicans was the most common Candida species with a frequency of 45 (16.2%). Age, history of antibiotic use, and the type of immunodeficiency disease were not significantly different among patients with positive cultures. More positive culture results were observed in patients who already consumed antifungal drugs than the others (P = 0.012). Drug resistance proportion was about 11.7%.

Conclusions: Candidiasis has a prevalence of about 33.9% in immunodeficient patients in Kerman City. C. albicans is the most common specie in these patients. Drug resistance proportion is about 11.7%..