Sensitivity of vaginal isolates of Candida to antifungals; Amphotericin B, Itraconazole and Voriconazole using ATB™ FUNGUS 3 KIT

Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common infection affecting the quality of life of many women. Candida albicans is the most commonly species isolated from patients with candidiasis followed by C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, and C. dubliniensis. Fluconazole is the most commonly prescribed antifungal agent for the prophylaxis and therapy of candidiasis, while voriconazole is a new triazole with excellent activity against Candida species. It is no longer the case that amphotericin B is active against all non albicans species. Itraconazole is generally well tolerated and side effects are few. In addition has relatively good MIC against Candida In vitro. The present study, focused on susceptibility Candida vaginitis isolates to amphotericin B, itraconazole and voriconazole using ATB™ FUNGUS 3 KIT. Materials & methods: Vaginal samples were collected using sterile cotton swabs and inoculated on CHROMagar Candida and confirmed by germ tube, chlamydoconidia formation, ID 32C and API 20C AUX kits. In the present study 48 vulvovaginal isolates of Candida species (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. guilliermondii, C. glabrata, C. humicola, C. kefyr and C. tropicalis) were tested against several antifungals including; Amphotericin B, Itraconazole and Voriconazole using ATB™ FUNGUS 3 KIT. Results: Our results shows that 81.3% of tested isolates were sensitive to Voriconazole compared to 43.8% to itraconazole and 75% to Amphotericine B. In addition 31.3% of Candida species were resistant to Itraconazole. Discussion: Based on the present study, Voriconazole is the best choice for the treatment of candida vaginitis.

Vulvovaginal isolates, Candida albicans, Antifungals