Pattern of susceptibility to azoles by E test method in candidemia patients

Candida sp is the fourth most common cause of bloodstream infections all over the world, which is invasive and life-threatening. Invasive infections caused by Candida leads to increased mortality and morbidity in immunocompromised patients, in spite of recent advances in preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. The antifungal resistance pattern in such high-risk patients is a major concern. Hence a better knowledge about the antifungal resistance pattern of such isolates becomes essential for prompt and efficient treatment to improve the outcome of such infections. If the Candida sp causing the invasive infection is known it is generally possible to predict its antifungal susceptibility pattern. But all the infecting isolates may not follow this general pattern. Hence susceptibility testing should be done to aid in the management of candidiasis, particularly in situations where the patient fails to respond to the initial antifungal treatment. Expert opinion also suggests that it is essential to perform routine antifungal susceptibility testing where azole resistance is strongly suspected, like against fluconazole for C. glabrata isolates from blood and sterile sites. ABSTRACT