Identification of Candida Species in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Kirkuk City-Iraq

Ali Qasim Taha Muhammad; Maad Abdullah  Mansur; Yahya Abbas  Qasim; Mustafa D  Younus

doi:10.51699/cajmns.v6i4.2889

Authors

Ali Qasim Taha Muhammad Department of Nursing Techniques, Kirkuk Technical Medical Institute, Northern Technical University, Iraq
Maad Abdullah Mansur Department of Nursing Techniques, Kirkuk Technical Medical Institute, Northern Technical University, Iraq
Yahya Abbas Qasim Department of Nursing Techniques, Kirkuk Technical Medical Institute, Northern Technical University, Iraq
Mustafa D Younus Department of Nursing Techniques, Kirkuk Technical Medical Institute, Northern Technical University, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51699/cajmns.v6i4.2889

Keywords:

Candida spp, Diabetes type 2, CHROM Agar

Abstract

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are more prone to Candida infections due to high blood sugar and weakened immunity. While Candida albicans is common, other species are increasingly seen. Identifying these species is important for proper treatment and infection control. The present study was conducted at Azadi Teaching Hospital and Kirkuk General Hospital in the city of Kirkuk. A total of 100 oral swabs were collected from patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) between November 21, 2021, and March 21, 2022. Samples from individuals who were smokers or suffered from hypertension or other chronic conditions were excluded from the study. The final sample included 50 males and 50 females, with ages ranging between 30 and 60 years. Diabetes was confirmed by hospital physicians prior to sample collection. Direct microscopic examination revealed positive findings in 41 male patients (82%) and 46 female patients (92%). Three Candida species were identified using biochemical tests and culturing on Chrom Agar Candida medium. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species, accounting for 59 isolates (73.75%), followed by Candida glabrata with 13 isolates (16.25%), and Candida dubliniensis with 8 isolates (10%).

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