Characterization and Susceptibility of Non-Albicans Candida Isolated from Clinical Samples at the National Public Health Laboratory in Congo

The rising prevalence of non-albicans Candida infections, attributed to their increasing antimicrobial resistance, prompted an investigation into the prevalence of these infections within Candidiasis and the identification of the most effective antifungal treatment. A prospective cross-sectional study gathered 298 vaginal swab samples at the National Public Health Laboratory in Congo. Initial direct diagnostics excluded samples negative for candidiasis. Candida species were isolated using Sabouraud Chloramphenicol agar and identified via various phenotypic methods, including microscopic characterization, the germ tube test, and sugar fermentation tests. Antifungal susceptibility testing was conducted using antibiotic discs on Muller Hinton agar through the diffusion method. The prevalence of candidiasis among patients was 33%. Species other than Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida had a prevalence of 33% and 67%. Non-albicans Candida species accounted for 67%, with C. tropicalis being the most prevalent (31%), followed by C. glabrata (27%), C. parapsilosis (18%), and C. krusei (10%). Other species were also identified but with lower frequencies. There was notable resistance to azole antifungals in certain species like C. tropicalis, C.glabatra, C. glabrata and C. krusei. The emergence of non-albicans Candida species resistant to azole antifungals necessitates an antifungal susceptibility test before determining a therapeutic regimen.

Keywords:- Candidiasis, Non-Albicans Candida, Antifungal Drugs, Susceptibility Profile.