ROLE OF CANDIDA IN INDIRECT PATHOGENESIS OF ANTIBIOTIC-ASSOCIATED DIARRHEA IN INFANTS

One hundred and thirty seven isolates of Candida species were isolated from antiobiotic associated diarrhoea cases and were examined to stud y the role of Candida in the pathogenesis of diarrhoea in infants. The quantitative estimation of yeast population by simple gram stain smea r revealed more than 70% of the cases had 3+ score. The isolates furth er screened for detection of beta-lactamases. Among the isolated Candi da sp, beta-lactamases was secreted by C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis. Further, 46% of the Candida isolates were found to be produced 741-1110 mU/ml of beta-lactamases, suggesting tha t these enzyme would inactivate penicillin group of drugs and cause fa ilure in the therapy directed against other diarrhoegenic bacteria.