Abstract

Recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidiasis is a major issue in pubescent females because of the fact that it is a source of health discomfort. For a better medical treatment, an analysis of susceptibility of Candida species to antifungal agents is fundamental. Therefore, this study aims to determine the susceptibility of Candida spp. to antifungal agents isolated in recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidiasis. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2014 among 400 women with vaginal discharge. The recurrent vulvovaginitis was defined by the occurrence four times at least in a year. Vaginal swabs were cultured on Sabouraud-chloramphenicol medium, and Candida spp. were identified using a chromogenic technique. Susceptibility testing was performed using a microdilution method. In vitro susceptibility to antifungal agents test was performed using amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole against isolated Candida spp. Of 94 women positive from Candida spp., Candida albicans (59.6%) was the most prevalent with 59.6%. C. albicans did not show any resistance to amphotericin B and voriconazole. The susceptibility Candida glabrata to itraconazole was 50% and this species was relatively susceptible to fluconazole (77.8%) and voriconazole (83.3%). The medical treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis requires a precise diagnosis based on a mycological analysis and the susceptibility to antifungal drugs.

Key words: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, susceptibility, antifungal, Candida species.