Antifungal Susceptibility Profiles and Virulence Characteristics of Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Isolated from Burns Patients in Thi-Qar Iraq

Burn-associated fungal infections represent a major therapeutic challenge because of increasing antifungal resistance and the ability of fungal pathogens to express multiple virulence factors. Among these virulence determinants, biofilm formation and epithelial adhesion play crucial roles in fungal persistence and treatment failure. This study investigated antifungal susceptibility patterns and virulence characteristics of the predominant fungal pathogens isolated from burns patients in Thi-Qar Province, Iraq. Clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, obtained from burns patients were evaluated for susceptibility to conventional antifungal agents using standardized microdilution methods. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Biofilm formation and adhesion capacity were assessed using crystal violet microtiter plate assays and epithelial adhesion experiments. Statistical comparisons among fungal species were performed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc analyses. All tested fungal species demonstrated variable susceptibility to antifungal agents. The results for nystatin showed a clear variation in value Nystatin but remained susceptible to amphotericin B and voriconazole. C. albicans showed moderate susceptibility to azoles, Biofilm formation differed significantly among  species (p < 0.05), with C. albicans producing the strongest biofilms. Adhesion assays demonstrated significantly greater attachment rates for C. albicans compared with filamentous fungi. The predominant fungal pathogens isolated from burn patients exhibit important differences in antifungal susceptibility and virulence characteristics. Biofilm formation and adhesion contribute substantially to fungal persistence and may influence therapeutic outcomes.