Characterization of Candida species from Vulvovaginal Candidiasis - Emphasis on ALS3 Gene expression

For women, vaginitis is a severe health problem. Certain species of Candida can become resistant to certain antifungal therapies. The objective of the study is to scrutinize the rate of this condition, the differentiation of species from the clinical isolates and the development of resistance towards antifungal drugs and detection of ALS genes in isolates in a tertiary health-care facility. Patients who were suspected to vulvovaginal candidiasis, their vaginal swab were collected, subjected to microbiological investigation. AFST patterns were analysed and investigated for ALS gene expression. Pregnant women were found to have the highest prevalence among the 120 cases of Candida isolates in this investigation, with 43 (35.7%), while steroid users had the lowest frequency, with 9 (7.5%). The most common organism was 63 (52.5%) C. albicans and the most common NAC species were 32 (26.6%) C. tropicalis. The ALS3 gene has been found in Candida non-albicans (9.09%) and Candida albicans (36.6%). As a result, NAC species was more common and showed that fluconazole was least efficient medication due to the high rate of resistance. VVC was more common in pregnant women. Candida isolates that express the ALS3 gene probably assisted to adhere to the vagina and create biofilms.