USE OF CHROMOGENIC MEDIUM FOR SPECIATION OF CANDIDA ISOLATED FROM CLINICAL SPECIMENS

Aim: To explore the usefulness of chromogenic medium in speciating clinical isolates of Candida and to determine their antifungal susceptibility. Methodology: A total of 50 Candida isolated from various clinical specimens were included in the study. Speciation of Candida was done based on the growth on chromogenic medium and other conventional methods. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed against fluconozole and amphotericin B. Results: Among the 50 clinical Candida isolates, 45 could be speciated with the help of chromogenic medium. Only 30% of the Candida isolates were identified as Candida albicans and the rest were non albicans Candida species. Among the non albicans species Candida tropicalis was the commonest isolate followed by C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis. None of the strains were resistant to amphotericin B or fluconazole. Conclusion: Use of chromogenic medium with the morphology on corn meal agar provides rapid identification of commonly isolated Candida species from clinical specimens. This will be useful to initiate appropriate antifungal therapy thereby reducing morbidity and mortality.