Candiduria in Catheterized Intensive Care Unit Patients and Pregnant Female Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Dr Shilpa Singh, Dr Anuradha Malhotra, Dr Loveena Oberoi, Dr Amritpal Kaur

Abstract: Background: Candida is a naturally occurring component of the vaginal, gastrointestinal, and oral microbiota. Among its species, Candida is the most frequent cause of oral candidiasis, genitourinary candidiasis, and nosocomial urinary tract infections (UTIs), making it clinically significant. The presence of budding yeast cells in urine may indicate severe candidiasis, a urinary tract infection, or sample contamination. To differentiate between contamination, colonisation, and infection, a repeat urine examination for yeast cells is recommended. Multiple antifungal agents are available for treatment; however, antifungal resistance?particularly among non-albicans species?has increased over recent decades. Methods: A prospective study was conducted over 14 months (December 2023 to February 2025) in the Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Amritsar. All patients admitted to the obstetrics and gynecology department and the intensive care unit (ICU) with indwelling catheters for more than 48 hours were included. A total of 200 urine samples, collected aseptically, were processed. Results: Of the 200 patients, 26 (13%) tested positive for Candida species. Non-albicans Candida predominated among ICU patients, whereas Candida albicans was more common in obstetrics and gynecology patients. Conclusions: Regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms, candiduria should be carefully evaluated and managed with a logical, evidence-based approach rather than being ignored or treated hastily.

Keywords: Candida, candiduria, antifungal resistance, intensive care unit, obstetrics and gynecology

How to Cite?: Dr Shilpa Singh, Dr Anuradha Malhotra, Dr Loveena Oberoi, Dr Amritpal Kaur, "Candiduria in Catheterized Intensive Care Unit Patients and Pregnant Female Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1338-1343, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR25819113626, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR25819113626