title: Species of Candida isolated from anatomically distinct sites in military personnel in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Some fungi are natural inhabitants of the human body but may result in disease when conditions are conducive to their development. Yeast infections are common and often occur in the skin and mucous membranes; however emerging species have changed this epidemiological profile. The ability to colonize different anatomical sites has been associated with the pathogenicity of Candida when environmental conditions are particularly favorable. In the case of hot, humid climates, the attrition suffered by the skin and weakened immune defenses may result in yeasts becoming pathogenic rather than commensal organisms.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to diagnose yeast infections in military personnel and to evaluate the frequency of these infections in the individuals evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  The clinical material analyzed was seeded in duplicate in Sabouraud dextrose agar (Difco™) and Mycosel medium (Difco™). The etiological agents were identified by observing the germ tubes, microculture and physiological characteristics, assimilation of carbon sources (auxanogram) and fermentation of carbon sources (zymogram).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of a total of 197 patients evaluated, 91 (46.2%) had episodes of candidiasis. The genitocrural region was the most commonly affected area (47.7%) followed by the interdigital regions (between the toes or fingers) (27.8%). Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata and emergent species such as Candida krusei and Candida guilliermondii were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the work environment, having to use shoes and uniforms for extended periods of time, in addition to stress and perspiration, were considered predisposing factors for the development of fungal infections.
authors: Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil.
authors: Diniz Pereira
authors: DP
authors: Leite Júnior
authors: Ana Caroline Akeme
authors: AC
authors: Yamamoto
authors: Evelin Rodrigues
authors: ER
authors: Martins
authors: Acy Fátima Rodrigues
authors: AF
authors: Teixeira
authors: Rosane Christine
authors: RC
authors: Hahn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002175:Candida / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult