Distribution and Drug Susceptibility of Candida spp. Associated With Female Genital Tract Infection, Chongqing, China

BACKGROUND: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is defined as vulvovaginitis associated with vaginal carriage of Candida spp. and is a common problem with a high rate of morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the distribution of Candida spp. and evaluate the corresponding antifungal susceptibility in women with genital tract infection in Chongqing, southwestern China. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Samples (n = 2.129) were obtained from female patients with symptoms of genital tract infection. Candida spp. were isolated from the specimens and were identified using a coloration medium and the VITEK 2 Compact automatic microbial identification system. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the ATB FUNGUS drug susceptibility testing system. RESULTS: From 2,129 samples, 478 (22.45%) isolates of Candida were isolated, of which 395 (82.64%) were Candida albicans, 39 (8.16%) were C. glabrata, 21 (4.39%) were C. tropicalis, 9 (1.88%) were C. parapsilosis, and 14 (2.93%) were other Candida spp. The resistance of C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis to 5 antifungal drugs (amphotericin B, voriconazole, fluconazole, 5-fluorocytosine, and itraconazole) ranged from 0.5% to 6.4%, 0% to 7.7%, and 0% to 9.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Candida albicans was the major pathogen associated with candidiasis of the female genital tract in patients in Chongqing. The results of the antifungal sensitivity of the isolates suggest that it is important for clinicians to administer appropriate antifungals for the treatment of Candida spp. infections.