Background: Accurate and rapid identification of Candida species is necessary for
proper diagnosis and treatment of candidiasis due to emergences of drug-resistant
strains especially among immunocompromised patients. Objectives: Identification of
Candida clinical isolates to the species level using different phenotypic and molecular
methods. Biofilm-forming ability and antifungal resistance were also studied.
Methodology: Sixty-nine Candida strains were isolated from 220 immunocompromised
patients. Identification was performed using chromogenic Candida agar, VITEK 2
system and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Biofilm formation was detected
by the tube method and antifungal susceptibility was tested using the VITEK2 system.
Results: The most common source of Candida isolates was from urine (33.3%) and ICUs
(56.6%). VITEK 2 system detected 9 spp.: C. albicans (34.8%), C. tropicalis (21.7%), C.
famata (8.7%), C. lusitaniae (7.2%), C. cruzi (7.2%), C. ciferri (5.8%), C. dubliniensis
(5.8%), C. parapsilosis (5.8 %) and C. glabrata. Candida isolates showed high
resistance to flucytocine (49.3%), and high sensitivity to fluconazole, micafungin,
voriconazole and caspofungin (88.4%, 81.2% and 81.2 % respectively). Only 30.4% of
all Candida isolates were biofilm producers. There was a positive relationship between
antifungal resistance and biofilm formation among Candida isolates. Conclusion: C.
albicans was the predominant species. Chromogenic Candida agar and VITEK 2 system
were valuable tests compared to PCR in speciation of Candida isolates. Antifungal
susceptibility was significantly related to biofilm production and its evaluation is
important for proper treatment..