Evaluation of Phospholipase Activity in Biofilm Forming Candida Species Isolated from Intensive Care Unit Patients

Aims: To evaluate phospholipase activity in biofilm forming Candida spp. isolated from patients admitted in intensive care unit of rural tertiary care hospital.
Study Design: A total of 135 biofilm forming Candida spp. isolated from various clinical specimens of patients admitted in ICU were included in the study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Pravara Institute of Medical Science’s Rural Medical College India, between January 2010 and December 2012.
Methodology: The Candida isolates were identified upto species level by conventional standard mycological techniques. The biofilm formation was assessed by inoculating the isolates in conical polystyrene test tube containing Sabouraud’s dextrose broth supplemented with glucose. Phospholipase activity of biofilm forming Candida isolates was detected by using egg yolk agar.
Results: Out of 135 biofilm forming Candida spp. included in the study, 60 (44.4%) isolates were C. albicans. Among non-albicans Candida (NAC) spp. C. tropicalis was the major isolate followed by C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis. Phospholipase production was seen in 85 (62.9%) isolates. A total 49 (81.6%) isolates of C. albicans showed phospholipase activity. Among NAC spp. maximum phospholipase activity was seen in C. tropicalis and C. glabrata.
Conclusion: Biofilm formed by the Candida spp. tend to be more resistant to antifungal drugs. Though C. albicans the most common species associated with Candida biofilms, the emergence of NAC spp. is of concern. NAC spp. shows varying degree of resistance either intrinsic or acquired or both to commonly used antifungal drugs. The isolation of NAC spp. from clinical specimens is no longer overlooked as these organisms are emerging pathogens. The virulence factors like biofilm formation and phospholipase activity is also noted in NAC spp. The study of these virulence factors would help in understanding the pathogenic role of NAC spp.