In: Sydowia 75, (2023): 259-267; ISSN 0082-0598, DOI 10.12905/0380.sydowia75-2023-0259, Published online on February 7, 2023

Detection of cutaneous candidiasis in immunocompetent
and immunocompromised patients from North India

Bharti Sharma & Skarma Nonzom*

Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu-180006, Jammu and Kashmir, India

* e-mail: skarmanunzom@yahoo.com

Sharma B. & Nonzom S. (2023) Detection of cutaneous candidiasis in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients
from North India. – Sydowia 75: 259–267.
Cutaneous candidiasis refers to the infections restricted to the skin and its appendages (hair and nails) which are caused by
the species of Candida. Generally, the species of Candida represent a part of the normal human microflora as harmless commensals,
but they may become opportunistic and cause infections under favourable circumstances. In the present investigation, cutaneous
candidiasis in three patients from District Jammu of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, was studied. Two species of
Candida, namely C. parapsilosis and C. krusei, were isolated from the infected skin and hair specimens of three patients (2 immunocompetent
and 1 immunocompromised). Direct microscopy, cultural and microscopic characteristics were taken into account
to identify the causal agents. Molecular characterization was done for the confirmation of one of the causal agents, C. parapsilosis.
In-vitro antifungal susceptibility test showed fluconazole to be the most effective antifungal drug. Careful and repeated
isolations followed by correct identification of causal agents form the basis of appropriate treatment. Results of in-vitro
antifungal susceptibility tests may prove helpful for clinicians in choosing a specific antifungal drug to cure infections.

Keywords: Yeast infections, skin and hair infections, mycological examinations, in-vitro antifungal susceptibility test, Jammu
and Kashmir (India)