In vitro susceptibility of vaginal Candida species to antifungal drugs in Abidjan (Cte dIvoire)

This cross-sectional study, carried out between May 2023 and January 2024, aimed to update the data on antifungal susceptibility of Candida species in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire). The study was carried out in the gynecology departments of the General Hospital of Adjame and the Anti-Venereal Dispensary of the National Institute of Public Hygiene, both located in Abidjan. Swab collection, direct examination, and culture were performed for each patient. Candida chromatic agar and Auxacolor®-based identification tests were conducted. The susceptibility of strains to amphotericin B, clotrimazole, miconazole, econazole, and ketoconazole was assessed using an agar gel immunodiffusion test. The overall prevalence of fungal vulvovaginitis was 53.6%. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species (70.7%), followed by Candida tropicalis (9.9%). Amphotericin B showed inhibitory activity against all isolated species. C. albicans showed the highest resistance rates of 41.7% against ketoconazole. A decrease in susceptibility of isolated Candida spp. to commonly used antifungal drugs was observed. This trend necessitates monitoring through further studies.   Key words: Vulvovaginal candidiasis, Candida species, in vitro susceptibility, Côte d’Ivoire.