Features of the Candida genus community pattern in the intestinal biotope of patients with tuberculosis

Fungi are opportunistic microorganisms that colonize all biotopes of the human body, including intestinal. In case of emerging adverse environmental factors (HIV infection, other immunodeficiencies, antibiotic therapy), these microbial representatives begin active reproduction, which might require prescribing antimycotics. Frequent use of the latter in clinical practice induces the development of drug resistance to antifungal drugs, which may impact on effectiveness of both the treatment of fungal infections and other diseases. The purpose of the study was to assess the pattern and spectrum of drug resistance of Candida genus in the intestinal biotope of patients with respiratory tuberculosis and identify risk factors for developing total fungal drug resistance to antimycotic drugs. Material and methods. There were enrolled 21 patients with respiratory tuberculosis. Pattern of the fungal species diversity for the Candida genus isolated from faeces was evaluated, and the spectrum of relevant drug resistance to antimycotic drugs was determined. Patients (n = 21) were divided into 2 groups: with (n = 10) and without (n = 11) total resistance to antimycotics, after which the main risk factors for its development were identified. Results. Members of the Candida genus were isolated from all patients examined, wherein pure cell cultures were characterized by high level of antimycotics resistance. Resistance to three drugs was noted in 1 culture (4.8%), to four — in 10 cultures (47.6%), also found in 10 cultures to the entire drug panel (47.6%). During statistical processing, the data were obtained on affecting formation of total resistance to antimycotics of concomitant pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, the presence of a clinically significant dyspeptic syndrome, a history of antimycotic therapy, HIV infection with severe immunodeficiency, and some decrease in the peripheral blood CD4⁺ lymphocyte count. Conclusion. Fungi of the Candida genus isolated from tuberculosis patients were characterized by high level of resistance to antimycotics. Total resistance was observed in 47.6% of patients. In addition, the major fungi colonizing the intestines of tuberculosis patients were found to be Candida albicans species. The risk factors for the development of total antifungal resistance included: chronic enterocolitis, dyspeptic syndrome, peripheral blood CD4⁺ lymphocyte count lower than 350 cells/µl, and history of antimycotic therapy.