Abstract:

Objective To analyze the composition and distribution of pathogens from 1366 superficial candidiasis cases in Shanghai. Methods Candida species identification was carried out for 1366 adults or children with superficial candidiasis by using CHROMagar Candida plates, API20C AUX system, etc. Pal′s agar, Xylose assimilation and the test for growth at 45 ℃ were utilized to differentiate Candida dubliniensis. Newly identified pathogenic Candida species including Candida orthopsilosis, Candida metapsilosis, Candida fermentati, Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis were differentiated by molecular biological methods. Finally, the composition and distribution of pathogens in superficial candidiasis cases were statistically analyzed. Results　A total of 1366 Candida strains, included 2 Candida orthopsilosis strains and 4 Candida metapsilosis strains, were isolated from these cases. Among these isolates, Candida albicans predominated （79.0%）, followed by Candida parapsilosis （9.5%）, Candida tropicalis （2.9%） and Candida guilliermondii （1.9%）. The composition of Candida species was significantly different between child and adult patients （χ2 =196.46, P < 0.01）, with the isolation rate of non-albicans Candida species being 14.4% and 45.8% respectively in child and adult patients. Conclusions Candida albicans is still the dominant pathogen of superficial candidiasis. Candida orthopsilosis and Candida metapsilosis can cause superficial candidiasis. The isolation rate of non-albicans Candida species is higher in adult patients than in child patients.

Key words: restriction fragment length polymorphism