دکتر محمد قهری
Abstract
Background: Candidemia is the main cause of fungal nosocomial bloodstream infections and is related to
meaningful mortality specially, in pediatrics. Mortality rate range from 5% to 71%, and it can reach as high as
۸۱%. Delays in beginning of treatment have also been linked to intensified mortality. The epidemiology of
Candida infection is changing from region to region. Regional surveillance of the epidemiology of candidemia
is necessary to identify patients at highest risk. The aim of this study is rapid and precise detection of Candida
species isolated from blood stream by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism
(PCR-RFLP) technique.
Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted during October 2013 to January 2015.
Sixteen Candida strains were isolated from 36 patients with positive blood culture in Milad hospital, Resalat
Lab., Tehran, Iran. All isolates were identified by PCR-RFLP patterns after digestion with the restriction
enzyme HpaII.
Results: Candida albicans (72.2%) and Candida glabrata (22.2%) were the most prevalent species among
isolates. Male to female ratio was 9/7, ranging in age from 4-16 years.
Conclusion: Candida albicans remains the most frequently isolated species in the present study; however nonalbicans
Candida species are increasing. Precise identification of Candida spp. can lead to a better management
of candidemia.
Key Words: Candida albicans, Candidemia, Pediatrics, Cancer
