A Clinicomycological Study of Mucosal and Cutaneous Candidiasis in A Tertiary Care Centre in Central India

Isha Khandelwal; Vivek Choudhary; Shyam Govind Rathoriya; Rochit Singhal; Sandeep Sharma

doi:10.55489/njmr.160320261342

Authors

Isha Khandelwal Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, Chirayu Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal, India
Vivek Choudhary Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, Ram Krishna Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Bhopal, India
Shyam Govind Rathoriya Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, Chirayu Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal, India
Rochit Singhal Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, Chirayu Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal, India
Sandeep Sharma Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, District Hospital Murar, Gwalior, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njmr.160320261342

Keywords:

Candidiasis, Candida albicans, Non-albicans Candida, Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Candidiasis ranks as a widespread opportunistic fungal infection sparked by species of genus Candida - typical commensals in the skin, mouth, gut and female genitals. Various local and systemic factors such as diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, pregnancy, and antibiotic therapy predispose individuals to mucosal and cutaneous candidiasis. Despite its clinical importance, limited region-specific data are available regarding the clinical patterns and species distribution of candidiasis in Central India. The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical profile, predisposing factors, and mycological characteristics of mucosal and cutaneous candidiasis and to identify different Candida species using culture and subculture.

Methodology: This observational study included patients of all ages and genders presenting with suspected mucosal and cutaneous candidiasis at a tertiary care centre. Only patients with positive 10% KOH examination were included. Detailed clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations were performed. For species identification, samples underwent culturing on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and CHROMagar. Data analysis was performed using specialised statistical software.

Results: Out of 83 clinically suspected cases, 55 (66.3%) were KOH positive. A 1:1.9 male to female ratio highlighted higher prevalence among women while mean age of study population was 40.95 years. Diabetes mellitus dominated comorbidities at 62.8%. Mucosal candidiasis affected 74.5% of cases outpacing cutaneous forms. Oral candidiasis emerged as a leading type, accounting for 47.2% of cases. Among 31 culture-positive isolates, C. albicans was the predominant species (48.4%), followed by C. tropicalis (29%).

Conclusions: Mucosal candidiasis, particularly oral candidiasis, was the most frequent clinical presentation. Diabetes mellitus emerged as the major predisposing factor. Accurately identifying Candida species stands vital to diagnosing and managing mucosal and cutaneous candidiasis effectively.

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