Fluconazole resistant non-albicans vaginal yeast in HIV seronegative women with vaginal discharge in Pune, India.

Vaginal candidiasis due to azole-resistant non-C. albicans strains is increasingly seen in women with vaginitis. This study was conducted to assess the fluconazole susceptibility and potential host factors associated with vaginal Candida species from women with vaginal discharge. Vaginal swabs were obtained from133 of 186 women who presented with discharge due to reproductive tract infections at an STI clinic in a tertiary care government hospital fromApril 2001 to August 2002. The swabs were processed by standard mycological techniques. Candida isolates obtained were speciated and evaluated for in vitro fluconazole susceptibility by broth microdilution according to standard recommended guidelines. Infections were diagnosed by recommended methods and HIV testing conducted for all women based on guidelines issued by the National AIDS Control Organisation India. All procedures and tests were conducted following written informed consent. Sociodemographic variables and patient history were recorded in a questionnaire. Data were analysed using the x/2 test. (excerpt)