Biofilm production by clinical isolates of Candida species

Abstract

Candida species are a leading cause of infections especially in immunocompromised hosts. Usage of bio-prostheses such as IV lines and urinary catheters provide ample opportunity for Candida biofilms to set up a nidus for disease that is not easily amenable to conventional antifungal therapy. To understand the prevalence of biofilm producers among clinical isolates, 58 Candida isolates from immunocompromised patients were examined. Thirty of the 36 (83.3%) blood stream isolates and 18 of the 22 (81.8%) oral isolates were biofilm producers. Biofilm producing blood stream isolates were significantly more among non-C. albicansCandida (93.1%) in comparison to C. albicans (42.9%).

• Candida
• biofilm
• immunocompromised