Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida Species Isolated from Urine Samples: A Laboratory-Based Analysis

Background:This study investigates the distribution and antifungal susceptibility patterns of various Candida species isolated from urine samples collected between December 2022 and March 2024. A total of 1,313 isolates were examined, with a gender distribution of 29.9% male and 71.1% female, across five distinct age groups. The aim was to provide a comprehensive analysis of species prevalence and their sensitivity to different antifungal agents. Results:The most frequently isolated species was Candida albicans, comprising 63% of all cases, predominantly found in the 65+ age group. Other less common species included Candida tropicalis (36 cases), Candida kefyr (11 cases), Candida glabrata (8 cases), and Candida spp. (442 cases). The antifungal susceptibility analysis showed that Candida albicans exhibited high sensitivity to Fluconazole (834 sensitive cases) but intermediate sensitivity to Amphotericin in 243 cases. Candida tropicalis and Candida kefyr showed high sensitivity to all antifungals, while Candida spp. demonstrated considerable resistance to Fluconazole and Micafungin. Conclusion:The findings highlight that while most Candida species are sensitive to commonly used antifungals, certain species like Candida spp. and Candida albicans show notable resistance to Amphotericin and Micafungin. The results emphasize the importance of performing susceptibility testing to guide effective treatment, especially in older patients who exhibit a higher prevalence of Candida infections. The data from this study provide valuable insights for clinicians managing fungal infections and tailoring antifungal therapy.