Emergence of Non-albicans Candida Species in Candiduria Among Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and purpose: Fungal urinary tract infections are increasingly recognized in clinical practice, particularly among patients with diabetes mellitus. These infections may pose significant health risks due to underlying immune dysfunction. This study aimed to determine the distribution of Candida species in candiduria among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using conventional and CHROMagar Candida methods. Materials and methods: Patients with diabetes mellitus who were referred to Krishna Hospital in Karad, India, participated in this cross-sectional, descriptive study. To determine the causative agents, urine specimens were obtained and cultured. Culture-positive samples were examined using standard identification tests and colony color on CHROMagar Candida medium. Results: Candida albicans was the most prevalent isolate among the 85 samples examined in this study (n=34; 40%), followed by C. krusei (n=20; 23.53%), C. tropicalis (n=17; 20%), and C. glabrata (n=14; 16.47%). Conclusion: Non-albicans Candida species predominated among candiduria isolates in diabetic patients, highlighting the need for accurate species identification to guide appropriate antifungal management.