Characterization and identification of candiduria due to species in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The presence of yeasts in urine, known as candiduria, is an indicator of infection or colonization of the urinary tract by species. This condition in diabetic patients can be hazardous due to diminished immune system response. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of candiduria in diabetic patients and to identify its causative agents. Furthermore, the demographic and laboratory (HbA, urine glucose and pH, urine culture colony count, and fasting blood sugar) data and their possible associations with candiduria were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed on 305 diabetic patients referred to the diabetes research center, Hamedan, Iran, during April 2015 to September 2015. Urine and blood specimens were collected and urine analysis, urine culture, FBS, and HbA tests were performed. Positive cases were subjected to colony count and the causative agents were subsequently identified through the routine identification tests, as well as colony color in CHROMagar Candida medium, and the assimilation patterns in API 20 C auxanographic method.

RESULTS

Among the 305 cases, 38 (%12.5) were positive for candiduria. Causative agents were identified as  (n=19, 50%), (n=12, 31.6%), (n=4, 10.5%), (n=2, 5.3%), and (n=1, 2.6%). According to the results of the statistical analyses, there were significant association between candiduria and female gender, high FBS and urine glucose, uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c ≥8), and acidic urine pH (<0.05)

CONCLUSION

Considering the high incidence rate of candiduria in diabetic patients, control of diabetes, predisposing factors, and causal relationships between diabetes and candiduria should be highlighted.