Microbiological and Clinico-Demographic Correlation of Candida Isolates from Health Care Associated Urinary Tract Infections: A Study from a COVID Dedicated Tertiary Health Care Centre

Microbiological and Clinico-demographic correlation of Candida isolates from health care associated urinary tract infections: A study from a COVID dedicated tertiary health care centre. Introduction: Candida species are ubiquitous yeasts, found as normal flora of gastrointestinal tract in healthy individuals. This study was undertaken with the aim to identify Candida species using Chromagar from isolates showing significant counts from urine samples of admitted patients in a COVID dedicated tertiary care centre. We also aim to analyze the clinic-demographic correlation of Candida species from urinary isolates. Material and Method: This prospective study was conducted at the Bacteriology laboratory in the Department of Microbiology at a tertiary care centre, referral and teaching hospital. A total of 30 isolates of Candida species from the patients with significant Candidiuria (i.e. greater than10 5 CFU of Candida per ml of urine) were included. Result: Out of 30 samples (isolates of Candida) received male to female distribution ratio of 1: 1.7. Candida isolates were identified by using colour and colony morphology on Candida Chromagar. After speciation of Candida, 4 species were found to be prevalent- C. albicans (56%), C. tropicalis (16.6%), C. glabrata (10.5%) and C. krusei (6.6%). Conclusion: Health care associated UTI resulting in Candidiuria are more common in patients with indwelling urinary catheters, systemic antibiotic use, underlying genitourinary abnormality, previous surgery and diabetes mellitus. Identification of Candida species with Chromagar Candida is a rapid, reliable, affordable method to identify various commonly isolated Candida species.