Investigation of Clonal Relationship Between Candida Parapsilosis and Candida Glabrata Strains Isolated from Blood Culture by Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis

Abstract

Aim: Candidemia may occur when endogenous Candida species in the intestinal microbiota enter the bloodstream in patients with risk factors. Apart from endogenous transmission, patients can also transmit it exogenously. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the fluconazole susceptibility and genotypes of Candida parapsilosis (C.parapsilosis) and Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) strains that cause candidemia. Methods: Twenty-six C. parapsilosis and sixteen C. glabrata strains were included in the study. Fluconazole sensitivity was determined by the broth microdilution method. Genotyping of strains was done by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Results: Nine (34%) of C. parapsilosis strains and 3 (19%) of C. glabrata strains were found to be resistant to fluconazole. Among 26 C. parapsilosis isolates, 17 different genotypes were detected and clustered isolates were collected in five clusters. Fourteen out of the 26 C. parapsilosis isolates are placed in one of the clusters, with a clustering rate of 53.8%. Among 16 C. glabrata isolates, 11 different genotypes were detected and divided into four clusters. Nine out of the 16 C. glabrata isolates are placed in one of the clusters, with a clustering rate of 56.2%. Conclusion: Our data indicated the possibility of nosocomial transmission of C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata among intensive care unit patients in our hospital. Infection control policies should be strictly applied in our hospital to prevent cross-transmission.