Clinical evaluation of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Drug Susceptibility Pattern of Candida Species in Gerash City, Iran, 2018-2019

Introduction Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an infection caused by Candida species that affects millions of women every year. Due to increased drug resistance, selection of appropriate drugs has an effective role in controlling and improving the infection. The present study aimed to determine the frequency and drug susceptibility pattern in Candida species isolated from VVC in Gerash city. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on vaginal samples of 268 patients referred to Amir-al-momenin Ali hospital in Gerash city, for six months from September 2018 to September 2019. All samples were examined direct microscopic and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar medium with chloramphenicol (50mg/L). Candida species were identified using standard phenotypic tests and sugar assimilation tests (API20C). The drug susceptibility pattern was investigated by the Kirby-Bauer method. The Chi-square test was used for data analysis. Results Out of 268 vaginal samples, 79 cases (29.47%) were positive for Candida species, among them 48 candida albicans strains (60.75%) and 31 Non-albicans candida species (24.39%) were isolated. Itching (51.89%) was the most common clinical symptom. The most and the least drug resistance in candida species was observed to Fluconazole (64.55%) and Amphotericin B (6.32%), respectively. Conclusion The VVC caused by Candida albicans is more common in comparison with Non-albicans candida species. For the initial treatment of Vulvovaginal candidiasis, the use of Amphotericin B and Caspofungin drugs is recommended.