A Prospective Research on Cutaneous Candidiasis from a Tertiary Health Care Unit

Abstract

Introduction: A study was conducted to study various Candida isolates causing skin infections.

Materials and methods: Study was conducted in the department of Microbiology, GSL Medical College, Rajahmundry. Individuals aged >18 years with skin infections were included in the study. Individuals who did not submit the consent, those who are on treatment were not considered. First the infected skin was disinfected thoroughly using alcohol. After drying, clinical sample was collected by using sterile swabs from the infected area. In the laboratory, the swabs were inoculated in Sabourauds dextrose agar (SDA) slants and incubated at 37⁰C for a week and identification as per the standard protocol. The data was analysed using SPSS version 21, chi square test was used to find the statistical significance, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Candida was isolated in 121 (100%) samples. In the culture positive (CP) cases, 57% the female male ratio was 1.3. Statistically there was no significant difference. Age wise, CP results were more in 39 – 68 years age group. Out of 77 (100%) isolates, 43% were Candida albicans and 57% were non albicans candida.

Conclusions: Cutaneous candiasis common among female and age group 39 – 68 is prevalent for candidiasis. 

keywords: Candida, gender, isolate, participant