Non-albicans Candida species: Emergence of neglected pathogens among population of Karachi

Candida albicans was considered as the principal cause of opportunistic candidiasis but nowadays, neglected non-albicans Candida (NAC) species are evolving as more virulent and drug resistant strains. This research was intended to assess pervasiveness of candidiasis mainly caused by NAC species in Karachi city. A total of 562 clinical isolates of Candida spp. collected during the period of one year were identified by microscopic as well as morphological (germ tube formation, characteristics on CHROM agar and Corn meal agar) and Biochemical (sugar assimilation and fermentation) characteristics. Doubtful species were further identified by using Remel RapID (TM) yeast plus kit. The results were statistically analyzed by SPSS 16.0 version software. Isolated strains of candida revealed slight predominance of C. albicans (54.5%) over non-albicans Candida species (45.5%). Among NAC species, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata were isolated as the predominant species. These clinical species were procured mainly from urine samples of females (73.7%) of age group 20-30 years. No significant correlations exist between Candida species and their months of isolation as well as their isolation from different districts of Karachi. Emergence of NAC species may predict an upcoming threat in health care facilities and hence, require prompt management and accurate identification to suggest empirical antifungal therapy.