Prevalence and resistance pattern of candida isolated from vulvovaginal candidiasis of antenatal women

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is caused by the overgrowth of Candida species. About 75% of all women, experience at least one episode of candidiasis in their lifetime. Candida albicans is the most common infectious agent followed by Non-albicans Candida species are emerging pathogens and relatively higher resistance to antifungal resistance. Thus the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Candida species in antenatal women and their susceptibility patterns of antifungal drugs. The study was conducted in the department of O&G and Microbiology, SRM MCH & RC, Kattankulathur, Chennai, India. A total of 39 C. albicans and 66 NAC species were isolated. C. albicans had shown the highest resistance against ketoconazole 10% and NAC had shown the highest resistance against clotrimazole 6%. There was a clear shift in the prevalence of infection by Candida albicans to those by NAC and emerging as a potential threat for causing cause infection and posing a therapeutic challenge.