EVALUATION OF CONGO RED AGAR FOR DETECTION OF BIOFILM PRODUCTION BY VARIOUS CLINICAL CANDIDA ISOLATES

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Biofilm is one of the known virulence factors of Candida, an important pathogen and commensal. Microorganisms growing in a biofilm are associated with chronic and recurrent human infections and are highly resistant to antimicrobial agents. Early detection of biofilm production may be useful for clinical decision because of its suggestive property for potential pathogenic capacity of Candida isolates. There are various methods to detect biofilm production like Tissue Culture Plate (TCP), Tube method (TM), Congo Red Agar method (CRA), bioluminescent assay, piezoelectric sensors, and fluorescent microscopic examination. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate Congo Red Agar method for the detection of biofilms. METHOD: The study was carried out at the Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Kota (Rajasthan) from April 2012 to June 2013. A total of 120 clinical Candida isolates were subjected to biofilm detection method. Isolates were identified by standard microbiological procedures. Biofilm detection was tested by CRA method. RESULTS: From the total of 120 clinical Candida isolates, CRA method detected 38.33% as biofilm positive and 61.66% cases as biofilm negative. Out of total biofilm positive Candida, 21.73% were strong biofilm producers and 78.27% were weak biofilm producers. CONCLUSION: We can conclude from our study that the CRA method is a quantitative and reliable method for the detection of biofilm forming microorganisms and it can be recommended as a general screening method for detection of biofilm producing Candida in laboratories.