E-test antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida spp. associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis in patients of Manipur

Background and Objectives: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most common vaginal infections during fertile period of women. An increase in the prevalence of non-albicans Candida which are resistant to commonly used antifungals has been documented. Therefore, studying the antifungal susceptibility pattern of the causative agents is of great significance in successfully treating the ailment and understanding the local data. Materials and Methods: Forty-six Candida spp. isolated from VVC patients were subjected to antifungal minimum inhibitory concentration testing for itraconazole, fluconazole, and voriconazole using E-test method. Results: Candida albicans and Candida glabrata showed 87.8% and 60% sensitivity, respectively, to itraconazole. Twenty percent of Candida parapsilosis and 40% of C. glabrata were resistant to fluconazole. Voriconazole showed higher sensitivity with 0.013 μg/ml as the minimum concentration to inhibit all Candida spp. C. glabrata noted higher minimum inhibitory concentrations against itraconazole, fluconazole, and voriconazole. Interpretation and Conclusion: Voriconazole is the drug of choice in case of fluconazole treatment failure among VVC.