Prevalence of Aspergillus species in clinical samples isolated in an Indian tertiary care hospital

Abstract

CONTEXT (BACKGROUND): In recent times, it has become important to determine the prevalence of different Aspergillus species in clinical samples in view of difference in antifungal susceptibility noted in some species.

Aims: To determine the species prevalence of Aspergillus isolates in various clinical samples received in the Mycology Laboratory at our institute.

Method: Over a period of 4-years, a total of 18,731 samples were processed, and species identification carried out by standard microbiological methods.

Results: Four hundred and fifty six samples (2.43%) were culture positive for Aspergillus species. A.flavus (46.93%) was the most common isolate, followed by A.fumigatus (37.72%) and A.niger (15.35%). It was observed that A.fumigatus was the predominant species isolated from blood and respiratory specimens, A.flavus was predominantly isolated from nasal polyps whereas A.niger predominated in nail specimens. Culture positivity was highest in the age group 12-65 years and in males. Sixty-nine patients (15.13%) were admitted to the intensive care unit.

Conclusions: The study highlights the diverse manifestations caused by Aspergillus species in human beings and also throws light on the different species prevalent locally. The knowledge would prove useful in selecting empirical antifungal therapy and formulating prophylactic and pre-emptive strategies.