Introduction
Candidiasis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients admitted in intensive care units. Identification of Candida species is essential for effective treatment. However, in absence of proven
fungemia, guidelines to initiate
therapy are yet to be defined. Materials and methods During the study (16 months: September 2018 to December 2019), samples (urine, sputum, blood, tracheal aspirate,
urinary catheter) were collected from ICU patients and prospectively evaluated. Microscopy, culture, and antifungal susceptibility testing were performed as per standard laboratory protocol. Demographic details and risk factors were noted from case records and correlated with Candida score. Results One hundred twenty-five non-duplicate samples (120 patients) positive on culture were included in the study. The most common co-morbid condition associated with
fungemia was
diabetes mellitus. The most common risk factor was
total parenteral nutrition. Non-albicansCandida(C. tropicalis) was predominant. Candida species showed good sensitivity to
voriconazole (80%) followed by
fluconazole (67.78%) and
amphotericin (62.22%). Twenty-nine patients had a Candida score of more than three. Conclusion
Fluconazole available in both oral and parenteral formulations is an effective
antifungal agent against the candida spp.
Voriconazole should be reserved for non-responders. Rising resistance to common antifungals among Candida albicans is a matter of concern.