CANDIDEMIA: A POST COVID CO-INFECTION

Abstract

Background: Candida species are major constituents of the human mycobiome and the main cause of invasive fungal infections, with a high mortality rate and recognized as a complication of severe COVID-19. The present study is an attempt to identify the etiological agents in blood samples of critically ill Covid positive patients so that timely interventions can be helpful to reduce morbidity and mortality in such patients. Material and method: This retrospective observational study was conducted at Tejas Microdiagnostics during 30 April 2021 to 30 June 2021. A total of 126 Covid positive patients requiring admission in SRN Hospital, Prayagraj were included. Blood specimen collected in FA and FAN bottles were sent for culture and antibiogram to Tejas Microdiagnostics within eight hours of admission. Blood culture of 89 (70%)Results: patients was positive while 37 (30%) patients did not show any growth. Fungi were isolated in 24(26.96%) cases while bacterial growth was identied in 65(73.04%) cases. Candida tropicalis was the most predominat species while Aspergillus fumigates and Penicillium were isolated among dimorphic fungi. Mortality was observed in 15% cases. Our study illustrates the predominance of Candida tropicalis fromConclusion: blood samples of Covid positive patients. This statistics may be the tip of the iceberg. The reason for such a high incidence can be the wide spread use of empirical antibiotics and steroids which may increased the risk of fungal infections in patients with COVID-19. Isolation and identication of pathogens are prudent and may reduce the morbidity and mortality of the patients.