Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

  Background and Aim: Candidial vulvovaginitis (CVV) is a female genital system infection that occurs due to the overgrowth of Candida species,especially with Candida albicans.This condition may become recurrent.The long administration of the current antifungal drugs may cause resistance. Therefore it is essential to understand the efficacy pattern of therapeutic agents against the isolated Candida species from vaginitis. The aim of this research was the investigation of the antifungal drug resistance pattern in Candida species isolated from vaginitis against azole current drugs.

  Materials and Methods: This was an experimental-descriptive study that was performed on 150 suspected patients.All specimens were examined under direct microscopy and culturing. Furthermore, complimentary tests such as culture on candida chrom agar, corn meal agar, germ tube test, susceptibility to cycloheximide, temperature test and sugar assimilation test (with API 20 kit) were performed to differentiate the Candida species from each other.The effect of the current azole drugs by micro dilution broth method was also tested.

  Results: Out of 150 specimens, 80 cases of vaginal candidiasis were diagnosed. In order of frequency the isolated pathogens were Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei and Candida giullermondi, respectively.From "drug effect" point of view, Imidazoles (Ketoconazole, Clotrimazole, Miconazole) were more effective than Triazoles (Fluconazole).

  Conclusion: Drug resistance pattern of various Candida species isolated from patients was different.