A STUDY OF ANTIFUNGAL SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING AMONG NON ALBICANS CANDIDA IN PATIENTS OF VULVO VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS AT TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Abstract

Background &objectives: Candida species are emerging as a signicant pathogen certain species of Candida like Candida krusei are inherently resistant to azoles. In vitro susceptibility testing is essential for guiding therapy. The present study aims todetermine the antifungal susceptibility pattern ofNon albicansCandida isolates by disc diffusion and micro broth dilution method. Methods:This was a prospective study, conducted among 200 patients complaining of Vulvovaginal dischargeSpeciation was done as per standard microbiological methods. Non albicans Candida species were identied. Antifungal resistance was determined by disc diffusion method for uconazole, Voriconazole and by microbrothdilution for uconazole. Results: A total of 200 samples were collected from patients complaining of vaginal discharge . Out of them 69 were identied as Candida species , 31[44%] were C.albicans and 38 [56%] were non albicans Candida among them C.glabrata 22 (57%) , C.tropicalis 12 (31%), and 4 (10%) C.krusei. In the Interpretation and conclusion: present study, all the isolates of C. krusei 4 [10% ] tested showed resistance to uconazole by both disc diffusion and microbroth dilution methods . All isolates of C.glabrata 22 [ 57%] and C. tropicalis 12[31%] , tested were sensitive to uconazole by both disc diffusion and microbroth dilution . For voriconazole there was no resistance among all isolates tested by disc diffusion method. It is essential to perform susceptibility testing for all the Candida isolates for providing crucial information about the resistance pattern and help in choosing the appropriate antifungal drug for therapy. Disc diffusion method which is easy to perform can be utilized for day to day practice