Fluconazole Resistance Candida albicans in Females With Recurrent Vaginitis and Pir1 Overexpression

BACKGROUND: Some genes may be associated with Candida albicans resistance to azoles. Pir1 gene is described as responsible to induce resistance in C. albicans. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to find the relationship between fluconazole resistance and Pir1 protein (Pir1p) overexpression in the females with recurrent C. albicans vaginitis requiring longer fluconazole therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 52l vaginal samples were obtained from the females with C. albicans vaginitis. The azole susceptibility phenotype was determined according to the Clinical Laboratory for Standards Institute (CLSI) protocol for disk diffusion method and inhibition zone for fluconazole. Expression of pir1 gene and fluconazole -resistance were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in C. albicans. RESULTS: In the 52 isolates, 49 (94%) were resistant to fluconazole. Overexpression of Pir1 gene was detected in 47 (96%) fluconazole-resistant C. albicans isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show fluconazole -resistance in C. albicans isolates with overexpression of Pir1p.