Susceptibility of Candida Species Isolated From HIV Infected and Newborn Candidaemia Patients to Amphotericin B

Problem statement: HIV infected and neonatal candidaemia is a serious condition where proper selection of the antifungal agent is the key factor in the prognosis of the disease. Thus in this study susceptibility of Candida species to Amphotericin B was explored in such patients. Approach: Forty different Candida isolates obtained from blood culture of such candidaemia cases were tested for Amphotericin B susceptibility by disc diffusion method and by microdilution method. Results: There was a good correlation between low MIC values and large inhibition zones among most isolates as expected, particularly with 24 h reading. Several outlier data were also observed during the study. After analysis it was found that 24 h microdilution method results were better for interpretation of susceptibility results. Conclusion: Microdilution method is the reliable method for susceptibility testing of Candida isolates from HIV infected and neonatal candidaemia patients to Amphotericin B.