Clinical and genotypic differences of infectious vs. colonizing isolates of Candida albicans — Presentation Detail — Celebration of Scholars

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Jun Wang
Kim Instenes
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James Ripley

Clinical and genotypic differences of infectious vs. colonizing isolates of Candida albicans

Name: Beth Klein
Major: Biology, Chinese, Asian Studies
Hometown: Sheboygan, WI
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors: Brian Chow, Jennifer Meece, Jennifer Anderson
Type of research: Independent research
Funding: Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation

Abstract

Candidiasis is a prevalent and increasingly problematic concern. Candida albicans causes the vast majority of candidiasis cases, and is more successful as a pathogen than other Candida species because of the high adaptability and variability of its genome. This study examined differences in clinical characteristics and treatment based on the apparent pathogenicity of C. albicans isolates, and genetic differences between infectious and colonizing isolates. Data from 635 patients with positive C. albicans isolates were abstracted and analyzed to identify clinical and treatment indicators of infection. Records of all patients with isolates from May to July 2015 were abstracted and isolates genotyped via Sanger Sequencing.

Of the 257 infectious and 378 colonizing isolates reviewed, there were significant differences based on specimen type, antifungal treatment and duration, prior C. albicans infection, and absolute neutrophil count. Infectious isolates were treated more frequently (86%) than colonizing isolates (14%), and antifungal choice was also significantly different. Forty-two positive C. albicans isolates were subject to DNA extraction, amplification, and purification, and 13 were sequenced. Clinicians appropriately treat C. albicans infections based on apparent pathogenicity with antifungal medications, however while colonizing isolates are treated less frequently, the proportion treated remains substantial. Propensity for infection may be predicted by specimen type, neutrophil count, and prior history. Genotypic variations may eventually serve as indicators of infection and proper antifungal treatment.

Poster file