Diagnostic Approaches for Candida Species Identification in Oral and Vaginal Infections: A Culture-Based and Microscopic Analysis

Abstract

Background: Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection induced by yeasts belonging to the genus Candida. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic for the management of invasive candidiasis

Methods: A total sample of 120 was obtained via oral and vaginal swabs, utilizing a cross-sectional study methodology. Clinical Specimens were inoculated onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA)and Chrom C agar medium. Candida species were identified microscopically using Gram staining, revealing Gram-positive oval yeast cells with possible budding and pseudohyphae. The germ tube test distinguished Candida albicans from non-albicans species by detecting filamentous extensions after incubation in human serum. Additional identification methods included the coagulase test for clot formation and the VITEK 2 Compact system for biochemical and automated species confirmation

Results: One hundred and twenty specimens were collected from different clinical specimen’s (71 oral swabs and 49 vaginal swabs) Among 49 vaginal swabs The majority of positive cases were observed in the 20-30 years’ age group (22 cases). The prevalence decreased with increasing age, with 11 cases in the 40-50 years’ group and the lowest occurrence in the 50-60 years’ group (3 cases). This study identified various Candida species from vaginal and oral specimens using a combination of diagnostic techniques such as Gram staining, culture on SDA, germ tube testing, CHRO C Magar Candida, and VITEK 2 Compact biochemical identification. Gram staining revealed Candida species as Gram-positive, oval-shaped yeast cells, with some forming pseudohyphae. The germ tube test successfully differentiated Candida albicans from non-albicans species. Cultural characteristics on CHROM C agar Candida further supported species identification.

Conclusion: This study successfully isolated and identified Candida species from vaginal and oral specimens using culture-based and microscopic techniques, confirming the presence of Candida albicans and non-albicans species. Accurate identification through combined traditional and modern diagnostic methods is crucial for guiding targeted antifungal therapy and preventing complications.