[Identification by PCR and antifungal susceptibility of vaginal clinical Candida sp isolates].

INTRODUCTION Vaginal candidiasis is a condition that affects innumerous fertile women. Candida albicans is the most frequently isolated species from vaginal discharge; however, other different species that are more resistant to antifungal drugs can be identified in vaginal clinical samples. METHODS The species of 30 vaginal Candida isolates was identified by PCR using the universal ITS4 primer and species-specific primers for C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. krusei. The sensitivity pattern to amphotericin B, fluconazole and voriconazole was assessed using the CLSI M27-A2 macrodilution method. RESULTS The PCR assay revealed 28 C. albicans and 2 samples showed amplification for C. albicans and C. glabrata primers. The minimum inhibitory concentration for amphotericin B ranged from 0.03 µg/mL to 0.25 µg/mL, for fluconazole from 0.125 µg/ml to 16 µg/mL and for voriconazole from 0.03 µg/mL to 0.25 µg/m. CONCLUSIONS Identification at Candida species level by PCR assay could be relevant for clinical management of these infections.