Candida Species Isolated From ICU Bloodstream Infections: Molecular Epidemiology, Antifungal Resistance, and Virulence Profiling

About 90% of resistant strains were non-<i>albicans Candida</i> (χ² = 78.57, p < 0.0001), and 54% of isolates of <i>Candida</i>, primarily <i>C. auris</i> and <i>C. tropicalis</i>, showed fluconazole resistance. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for amphotericin B was low; all isolates were susceptible to echinocandins, and voriconazole remained mainly effective. These results underscore the need for quick species identification and antifungal susceptibility testing, as well as the inadequate efficacy of empirical azole therapy in Indian ICUs. The need of the hour is frequent fungal surveillance, including colonization screening and the identification of prevalent species and susceptibility patterns at the outset to help guide focused empirical treatment. Antifungal drug resistance monitoring assists in stewardship initiatives to reduce the spread of multidrug-resistant <i>Candida</i> species, enhancing patient outcomes.