P161 Epidemiological trends of Candida species in urine culture— a retrospective study in a tertiary care hospital in Punjab

POSTER SESSION 2, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: OBJECTIVES: The presence of Candida species in the urine (Candiduria) is a typical clinical observation, especially in hospitalized patients. It is more common in immunocompromised persons, in bone marrow transplant unit (BMTU) patients, and in those who are in intensive care units (ICUs). Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be caused by any Candida species. Now, non-albicans Candida species prevail in many locations around the world. Urinary tract instrumentation, past antibiotic usage, lengthy hospital stay, extremes of age, diabetes mellitus, female gender, and immunosuppressive medication are all risk factors for candiduria. Candiduria represents colonization in the majority of adult patients in critical care settings, and antifungal medication is not necessary. The presence of yeast in the urine, on the other hand, can indicate a widespread illness. Candiduria often indicates widespread candidiasis in severely unwell newborns and is followed by blocking fungus ball development in the urinary tract. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana from March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022. The acquired urine samples were promptly processed in the microbiological laboratory using a semi-quantitative culture technique in accordance with normal protocols. All of the yeast isolates were processed further on Corn meal agar (CMA) for further speciation. RESULTS: Out of the 9729 urine samples received, there was culture growth for Candida species in 511 (5.25%) samples. Amongst the patients who had candiduria, 180 (35.22%) patients were immunocompromised. Out of 511 Candida isolates, 122 (23.87%) were Candida albicans and 389 (76.12%) were non-albicans Candida. Further speciation of non-albicans Candida indicated the prevalence of C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. guielliermondii as 98 (19.17%), 89 (17.41%), 78 (15.26%), 78 (15.26%) and 46 (9%) respectively. CONCLUSION: The most prevalent healthcare-associated infection is nosocomial UTI. Candida species is becoming a more common cause of nosocomial urinary tract infections. C. albicans was the most common species isolated from the urinary system for many years. Now, non-albicans Candida species have emerged as a result of the introduction and widespread usage of fluconazole. These non-albicans species may be more difficult to remove than C. albicans because they are more adapted to the kidney and collecting system. With controlling underlying diabetes, daily assessment of need of urinary catheterization, early removal of catheter, surgical removal of obstruction of urinary tract and timely de-escalation of antibiotics can prevent candiduria in most of the cases. Thus, we can avoid antifungal therapy which may contribute to the resistance.