PREVALENCE OF CANDIDA SPECIES IN LEBANESE WATERSMOHAMMAD HASSAN HALAWI, HODA YUSEF, JAMILA BORJAC AND ZAHER ZEAITERAbstract The prevalence of Candida spp. (species) was inspected in 105 water samples (45 potable water, 50 community tap water, and 10 spring water samples), in parallel with the concentration of four different metals (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn) that are part of Candida quorum sensing mechanism. Candida spp. were isolated from 84 of 105 (80%) samples. Prevailing species were Candida Krusei, isolated from 67 samples, Candida parapsilosis, from 38, and Candida glabrata, from 34, Candida tropicalis from 25, Candida albicans from 12, and 5 other species of Candida. There was a significant correlation between the concentration of zinc in water and the presence of Candida (P<0.001). These results are the first to confirm the presence of Candida in Lebanese water supplies, and suggest that potable, tap and natural water in Lebanon may be a potential transmission route for Candida both in hospitals and community water supplies.
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