Comparative Evaluation of CHROMagar and Conventional Carbohydrate Fermentation Test for Candida Species Identification in HIV Patients: Assessing Sensitivity and Specificity

Abstract

Context: Candida species are opportunistic fungal pathogens commonly associated with infections in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with HIV. Reliable identification of Candida species is crucial for appropriately treating and managing these infections. The Conventional Carbohydrate fermentation test, traditionally used for species identification, has limitations, so alternative methods like CHROMagar, a chromogenic culture medium, are being explored. CHROMagar offers faster results and easier interpretation, making it a promising alternative.

Aims: The present study aims to isolate and speciate different candida species among HIV-positive patients by the CHROMagar method and Carbohydrate fermentation test and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of both methods.

Methods and Material: Oral rinse was collected from each subject in sterile sample containers and speciation was done by CHROMagar method and carbohydrate fermentation test.

Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the CHROMagar method in the present study were 100% and 45% respectively, whereas the sensitivity and specificity of the carbohydrate fermentation test were 63% and 25% respectively showing that the CHROMagar method is more accurate with 80% accuracy when compared to carbohydrate fermentation test with 53% accuracy.

Conclusions: CHROMagar provides fast and accurate identification of Candida species compared to conventional carbohydrate fermentation tests. This method's potential application in HIV patients to identify specific species and assess their immune status is important for treating infections and understanding the incidence and role of Candida species in invasive and systemic diseases.