Authors
1
Prof.of Parasitology, School of Medicine,Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2
Associate Prof.of Pathology, School of Medicine,Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3
3. Associate Prof.of Pediatric Hematology, School of Medicine,Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4
4. M.D, School of Medicine,Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
5
5. Msc of Parasitology,School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
6
6. Msc Student of Mycology,School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Over the past years, the role of fungi as a cause of nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients has been accentuated. Candida species constitute an important group of fungi causing diseases in immunocompromised patients. Oropharyngeal candidiasis continues to be a prevalent infection in immunodeficient patients. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence of oropharyngeal candidiasis in children with lymphohematopoietic malignancies.
Materials and Methods: In total, 102 patients with lymphohematopoietic malignancies and 50 healthy controls were examined in terms of Candida infections via direct sampling of the oropharyngeal cavity. Fresh smears were prepared with 10% potassium hydroxide and Gram staining was carried out. Subsequently, the obtained specimens were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar for further analysis.
Results: The most common Candida species were Candida albicans (31%), other non-C. albicans species (14.7%), C. glabrata (6.8%), and C. krusei (0.98%) in the case group, while in the control group, other non-C. albicans species (10%) and C. albicans (8%) were the most common species.
Conclusion: In the present study, Candida species were the most common fungal pathogens in pediatric cancer patients; therefore, efforts should be made to prevent fungemia and fungal pneumonia. Also, non-C. albicans species must be considered as a new risk factor for pediatric cancer patients.
Keywords
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