Candida biofilm-A medical havoc: Prospective study among the patients in tertiary health care centre in North India

Objective of this study is to know the incidence of biofilm formation by isolates of Candida spp among the patients attending Tertiary health care Superspeciality centre in Lucknow.

A prospective study conducted among patients attending Out-patient department and admitted to In-patient department, and Intensive care unit during the period between January 1st and December 31st 2017. Different samples like endotracheal secretion, urine, blood and pus were collected under sterile conditions and standard fungal tests were performed for identification and appropriate statistical methods were employed to look for association between biofilm and Candida species.

Out of the 216 samples included in the study from various departments, 80 samples showed evidence of Candida infections yielding an infection rate of 37%. Among the 99 isolates (32 Candida albicans and 67 Non albicans Candida) subjected for biofilm production, 52 (52.5%) were positive.

Non albicans Candida infection has drastically increased in healthcare centres. Biofilms have significant role in the perpetuation of these infections and antifungal resistance primarily with respect to their ability to adhere to various medical devices. Regular monitoring on the sensitivity and biofilm formation will be helpful in optimising therapy and outcome.