Study of Antifungal susceptibility for Fluconazole and Clotrimazole of Candida Species by disc diffusion method in a Tertiary care centre in Karnataka

Background: Vulvo-vaginitis is a common day to day problem in gynecological practice. Candida albicans is the commonest infectious cause. There is limited data regarding the antifungal susceptibility of yeast causing Vulvo-vaginal candidiasis, since isolation by cultures are rarely performed, hence the present study was undertaken. The main objective of this study is to find out the Antifungal susceptibility for Fluconazole and Clotrimazole of Candida Species by disc diffusion method among patients visiting Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore. Methods: Vaginal swabs were collected from 100 patients visiting the hospital with history of white discharge and subjecting it to microscopy and culture. Candida isolates were further identified to species using conventional methods. Disc diffusion testing of each isolate with Fluconazole and Clotrimazole was performed as described in CLSI (formerly NCCLS) document M44-A. Results: In our study antifungal susceptibility test was by disc diffusion method. The sensitivity of the isolates in our study to Clotrimazole was 81% and to Fluconazole was 83.7%. Conclusion: To conclude, as the antifungal resistance does not seem to be a major problem in the general population, it may be appropriate to use courses of antifungal treatment in women with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Keywords: Vulvovaginal Candidiasis; Antifungal Resistance; Antifungal Susceptibility