Role of Candida in indirect pathogenesis of antibiotic associated diarrhoea in infants.

One hundred and thirty seven isolates of Candida species were isolated from antibiotic associated diarrhoea cases and were examined to study the role of Candida in the pathogenesis of diarrhoea in infants. The quantitative estimation of yeast population by simple gram stain smear revealed more than 70% of the cases had 3+ score. The isolates further screened for detection of beta-lactamases. Among the isolated Candida sp, beta-lactamases was secreted by C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis. Further, 46% of the Candida isolates were found to be produced 741-1110 mU/ml of beta-lactamases, suggesting that these enzyme would inactivate penicillin group of drugs and cause failure in the therapy directed against other diarrhoegenic bacteria.