In recent years there has been an increase in the number of immuno-compromised patients, which has in turn led to an increased rate of infections associated with Candida species. There were 2151 reported cases of candidaemia in 2016 with C.albicans accounting for 42%, C.glabrata for 25%, C.parapsilosis for 9% and C.tropicalis for 3% of infections in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.(1)

COLOREX™ Candida was formulated specifically for the detection and isolation of clinically significant Candida spp. by means of colonial colour and morphology within 48hrs. COLOREX™ Candida allows for the recognition of a minor Candida population within a mixed population as well as the pre-dominant species thereby allowing for a patient specific treatment plan at the earliest possible opportunity. Most bacterial species will be inhibited due to the inclusion of chloramphenicol.

C.albicans – Green colonies

C.tropicalis – Metallic blue colonies

C.glabrata – Mauve to pink colonies

C.krusei – Large fuzzy pink colonies

Limitations

Definitive identification requires additional testing of isolates (e.g. MALDI-TOF). C.glabrata and C.parapsilosis cannot be readily distinguished on this particular medium. C.dubliniensis will form dark green colonies on COLOREX™ Candida so additional testing is required to confirm presence in the specimen. C.auris isolates will grow on this medium but the colony colour may vary from white to pale purple/pink so further testing will be required to confirm identification.