Detection of Virulence Factors of Candida Species Isolated From Neonatal Candidemia at Tertiary Care Hospital in North India

Abstract

Background: Fungus being ubiquitous, but infections caused by it are rare and as a suspect for sepsis are rarest. So, it becomes a cause for higher morbidity and mortality especially in state of immune-compromised state like neonates admitted in NICU. Hence to treat it appropriately, we must know its emergence, virulence and trend of it. So we design this study in neonates, one of most vulnerable group to study its virulence and effects on them.

Method: It is a prospective study conducted for one and half years on 44 positive neonates detected for candidemia. Using most advanced and also the conventional methods we differentiate the species and also studied in detail about their virulence and end results on patients

Results: Incidence is 10.33%, with dominance of non albicans candidemia (65.9%) over C. albicans septicaemia. Virulence is also higher in non albicans Candida (NAC) as compared to C. albicans. The mortality (34%) detected was higher in NAC but average duration of hospital stay (14.5) is longer in C. albicans due to its more resistance towards anti- fungals.

Conclusion: In this long study on neonatal septicaemia, we found that NAC were emerging pathogens and were more virulent than C. albicans