Virulence phenotypic profiling of fluconazole resistant Candida albicans clinical isolates from a tertiary care hospital

Candida albicans , a leading opportunistic pathogen, poses significant challenges in clinical settings due to its biofilm formation, virulence factors secretion and antifungal resistance. This study aimed to profile the virulence phenotypic characteristics of C. albicans isolates collected from clinical specimens. A total of 29 Candida isolates were collected, with 17 confirmed as C. albicans through morphological and molecular identification. Fluconazole resistance was observed in 82% of C. albicans isolates. Various virulence factors, including germ tube formation, hyphal growth, biofilm formation, hydrolytic enzymes production were assessed. The results showed significant variability in these virulence traits, with some isolates exhibiting enhanced ability to form biofilms, produce secreted aspartyl protease and phospholipase, demonstrating a higher pathogenic potential. This study presents comprehensive virulence traits exhibited by fluconazole resistant Candida albicans clinical isolates which can be targeted for improved clinical intervention. • 82% of C. albicans isolates showed fluconazole resistance • 41% NAC species were found in the clinical samples • Virulence traits such as biofilm, SAP, hemolysin, hyphae varied across isolates • No direct link found between resistance and specific virulence traits