Antifungal profile of vulvovaginal candidiasis in sexually active females from a tertiary care hospital of Western Rajasthan

Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the commonest form of sexually transmitted infection especially in sexually active females. Various species of Candida i.e., Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida are associated with VVC. More than 75% of women experiences vulvovaginal candidiasis at least once in their lifetime and 10% of it can lead to recurrent VVC. So, this study was planned to evaluate the clinico-mycological profile and antifungal profile of VVC in sexually active female attending tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: The present two months study was conducted in sexually active females attending Obstetrics -gynecology OPD with VVC in tertiary care hospital. Two high vaginal swabs were taken and fungal culture was done on SDA agar by standard methods. Identification and antifungal susceptibility testing of candidial isolates were done by standard mycological methods. Results: Most of the patients belonged to younger age group between 18 and 29 years (55%). Lower abdominal pain was the most common symptom after vaginal discharge followed by burning sensation and pruritis. Candida glabrata (15) with 58% of all the isolates was the most common Candida species associated with VVC in this study, followed by Candida albicans (5, 19%). Highest antifungal resistance was observed to itraconazole (81%) followed by amphotericin B (35%) and fluconazole (31%). 81% resistance to itraconazole among Candida glabrata and Candida albicans. Voriconazole was maximum susceptible to all Candida species. Conclusion: This study highlights the incidence of VVC among sexually active females of reproductive age group as its recurrence may result into obstetric complications and even infertility and also enlightens the common Candida species and their antifungal profile, which would help the treating clinicians to formulate local antifungal treatment policy for VVC.