Abstract

Candida is one of the most common problems faced these days which require timely medical attention. We have aimed to identify the Candida albicans and non-albicans species of upper aerodigestive fungal infections and their antifungal drug susceptibility using various antifungal. Swab samples were collected from the upper aerodigestive area and by use of Sabouraud dextrose agar to identify Candida fungal growth. Albicans and non-albicans Candida species were identified by the use of candida differential agar media. Disk-diffusion method is used to evaluate antifungal susceptibility. Two hundred and fifty-two samples were identified with candidiasis. This study found that Candida albicans species are more in comparison to non-albicans species with a female predilection in upper aerodigestive candidiasis. All Candida isolates species showed the least resistance to itraconazole and amphotericin B whereas 60% maximum resistant to fluconazole by Candida tropicalis than 54% resistance to clotrimazole shown by Candida glabrata, resistance to nystatin 50% by Candida krusei, and resistance to ketoconazole 24% by C. tropicalis. Candida parapsilosis showed 100% susceptibility to miconazole, itraconazole, and amphotericin B. So, suggests that empirical use of antifungal can be harmful to the patient and can lead to the growth of further development of more resistant strains of Candida this study revealed that Itraconazole and Amphotericin B is the most effective antifungals for upper aerodigestive candidiasis in comparison to fluconazole.

Key words: Antifungals, sensitivity screening test, Candida albicans species.