Publication:

Antifungal susceptibilities and identification of Candida species by using maldi-tof microbial identification system from cervicovaginal samples

Background Among the vaginal diseases seen in women, candidiasis is in the first place. This disease, which is caused by Candida species, can sometimes persist very stubbornly. The aim of this study was to determine Candida species isolated from vaginal specimens by using VITEK MS (MALDI-TOF Microbial Identification System) rapid identification system and to evaluate their susceptibility to some antifungals.

Methods In this study, 220 cervicovaginal swab were used. Isolates were identified by VITEK MS rapid identification system. After identification, antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the M-44 A2 guideline of The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).

Results Total 16.3% (36) of Candida spp. positivity was determined from 220 cervicovaginal samples, and 25 (69.4%) C. glabrata, 6 (16.7%) C. albicans, 3 (8.3%) C. kefyr and 2 (5.6%) C. krusei were obtained with Vitek MS. All identified C. albicans strains were found to be completely resistant to all antifungals used except nystatin agent, C. krusei strains were found to be resistant to flucytosine but sensitive to all other antifungals, C. glabrata and C. kefyr strains were susceptible to all antifungals within the antifungals used in this study.

Conclusions It is concluded that it is necessary to distinguish Candida species in order to apply a correct treatment. And species selection is very important for the selection of antifungal to be used. Nystatin is recommended if no laboratory tests are to be performed for the diagnosis of Vaginal Candidiasis.