Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to investigate and compare biofilm production and hemolytic activity in various Candida isolates obtained from different clinical specimens. A total of 100 clinical isolates, 53 C. albicans and 47 non albicans Candida strains, were included in the study. The identification of strains was carried out using conventional methods and Vitek-2 system. Hemolytic activity was determined using 5% sheep blood SDA medium, and biofilm formation was determined using Christensen macro tube method. 53% of the isolates were C. albicans, 13% C. famata, 8% C. kefyr, 3% C. parapsilosis. Thus, 52% of the samples were determined as blood culture, 20% as wound, 10% as sputum. Moreover, 14% of 100 Candida strains isolated were isolated from Neonatal Intensive Care, 14% from General Surgery and 10% from Internal Intensive Care units. While 32% of 100 Candida strains were alpha hemolysis and 36% beta hemolysis was observed, 20% of these strains showed weak, 18% moderate, and 15% strong positive biofilm grades. Antifungal susceptibility testing demonstrated that C. famata exhibited the lowest sensitivity, particularly to fluconazole and flucytosine. The increase in the formation of strong positive biofilms suggests that increase the infectious properties and the antifungal resistance rate of Candida. It is of great importance to investigate the prevalence of biofilm formation and hemolysis production among Candida strains with multi-center studies and to follow them periodically, together with other virulence factors for the prevention and effective treatment of Candida infections.

Key words: Biofilm, hemolytic activity, Candida albicans, non-albicans Candida