Prevalence of Different Species of Candidain Sputum of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis is one among the most common disease in developing countries. Candida species infection has always seemed to be associated with secondary infections in Tuberculosis. Candida species have been one of the co-infection challenges facing the patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis. Hence this study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of Candida species in cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. This prospective study was carried out in Karnataka institute of medical sciences, Hubballi over a period of one year, from January 2012 to December 2012. 100 patients were included whose sputum were tested positive in Designated Microscopy Centre (DMC) as per the RNTCP guidelines. The positive sputum samples were collected and further processed for microscopy (gram stain for sputum quality), fungal culture on SDA with and without cycloheximide. [Candida co-infection was confirmed using the (Kahanpaa, 1972) criteria] Out of the total 100 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, whose sputum were tested positive in Designated Microscopy Centre (DMC) as per the RNTCP guidelines, Candida co-infection was observed in 32 (32%) of patients. There was a significant male preponderance for Candida co-infection. Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis are the most commonly isolated species 11 (34.4%), followed by Candida parapsilosis 7 (21.9%), Candida dubliniensis 2 (6.2%) and Candida glabrata 1 (3.1%). The coexistence of fungal with tuberculosis adds complication to patient’s condition by adding more damaging and fatal dimensions to it. So identification of Candida species is essential as they differ in their virulence and sensitivity to antifungal drugs.