Speciation of Candida isolates from vulvovaginal candidiasis cases, detection of virulence markers of Candida and antifungal susceptibility by disc diffusion method

: Species belonging to the genus are ubiquitous in nature and many of them form the normal microbial flora in human and animal bodies. A wide variety of infections on mucosal surfaces under certain conditions can be caused due to the sp: A total of 40 isolates of Candida, isolated from vaginal swabs among 476 patients with clinically suspected VVC. Antifungal susceptibility testing done using Fluconazole and Voriconazole. Virulence markers Phospholipase activity, Proteinase activity, Biofilm Productionwere detected by standard methods.: Out of 40 isolates, the following species were isolated, (52.5%) was the most common species isolated from vaginal swabs. The species isolated were (27.5%), (15%), (5%).Intense phospholipase activity was observed in 12 (30%) samples, there was no activity in 18 (45%) samples. A moderate phospholipase activity was observed in 6 (15%) isolates, poor activity in 4 (10%) samples.Proteinase activity was strongly positive in 33 isolates which was identified as and. Strong biofilm formation was observed in 9 isolates, moderate in 8, weak in 11 and negative in 12 isolates. All 40 isolates are susceptible to Fluconazole and Voriconazole.From this study it is observed that and are the major species of causing VVC. Virulence marker analysis such as that for phospholipase, proteinase and biofilm formation will help to analyse the pathogenicity and further research required to elucidate the mechanisms involved in these pathways.