PHENOTYPIC IDENTIFICATION AND BIOFILM FORMATION OF CANDIDA SPECIES ISOLATED FROM PATIENTS WITH SURGICAL SITE INFECTION IN KARACHI PAKISTAN

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among major complications following surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of Candida species in SSIs and to evaluate their virulence potential in association with SSIs. Pus swabs (n=300) were collected from patients with SSIs. Candida species were identified by phenotypic characters. Biofilm forming ability was determined by visual detection method and micro titre plate assay. Candida species recovered 60 (20%) were from tested samples. These were identified as Candida albicans 26(44%), followed by C. glabrata 15(25%), C. parapsilosis 8(13%), C. krusei 7(11%) and C. tropicalis 4(7%) respectively. Biofilm forming ability of C. albicans was lower (46%) than other Candida non-albicans species (72%) assessed by both methods. This study revealed that prevalence of Candida species was high in SSIs. Most of Candida species were able to produce biofilms which may enhance the pathogenic potentials of these isolates. The rapid and accurate identification of Candida species should be adopted in routine culture to minimize the risk of SSIs.