Fluconazole Resistance among Candida species Causing Vulvovaginitis

Abstract

Yeasts have emerged as a prominent cause of vaginal infections in community and hospitalized patients. Majority of cases of Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) are caused by Candida albicans however, episodes due to non-albicans Candida appear to be increasing in the recent years leading to increase medical concern. Most non-albicans Candida species have higher minimum-inhibitory concentration (MIC) to fluconazole and infections caused by these species are often difficult to treat. This study was done to determine prevalence and antifungal susceptibility pattern of Candida spp. isolated from VVC. High vaginal swabs were collected and subjected to direct microscopy and culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Candida species were identified by conventional method. Antifungal susceptibility testing was done against fluconazole as per CLSI (M27-A2) guidelines. Out of total 169 isolates from 152 postive cultures, 33 (19.52%) were of Candida spp. Overall 20 (60.60%) Candida strains were resistant to fluconazole with MIC> 64μg/ml.  We conclude that emergence of fluconazole resistant Candida spp at our centre is a matter of concern