ABSTRACT
Background: Antimicrobial resistance among Candida species is an intense public health concern. The aim of the study was to
determine the antifungal susceptibility pattern and test for cure of Candida species among women of child bearing age who
visited the General Hospital Onitsha, Nigeria with symptoms suggestive of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC).
Materials and Methods: Eight hundred and seventy six female patients participated in the study of which high vaginal swabs
were collected and evaluated mycological by standard microbiological methods: microscopic examination and culture using
sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). Susceptibility of isolates to 4 antifungal agents was tested using agar dilution method. Clinicomycological
evaluation was also performed among the patients.
Result: Higher minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to azole antifungals was observed predominantly among non-albicans
Candida species increasingly involved in VVC. The rate of mycological resolution was higher than symptomatic relief at 2
weeks after treatment with antifungal drug.
Conclusion: Efficacious treatment of VVC requires an adequate knowledge of the causative agents and more importantly the
antimicrobial to which they exhibit high susceptibility.