In vitro susceptibility of Candida species isolated from blood culture to some antifungal agents

Fungal infections are among the major causes of morbidity in cancer patients. In order to optimize the treatment of such patients, it is critical to determine the type of fungus causing infection as well as its susceptibility to antifungals. This study was undertaken to the study resistance of Candida spp. isolated from blood cultures of cancer patients to ketoconazole (KET), fluconazole (FLU), amphotericin B (AmpB), and flucytosine (FCU). A modified NCCLS M 27-A method was used to evaluate the activity of the species. Of the 56 Candida albicans isolates, 7 (12.5%) were resistant to FLU (MIC greater than or equal to 64 mug/ml), 6 (10.7%) were resistant to KET (MIC greater than or equal to 64 mug/ml) and 3 (5.3%) were resistant to FCU (MIC greater than or equal to 32 mug/ml). One (14.3%) of 7 C. parapsilosis isolates was resistant to FLU (MIC greater than or equal to 64 mug/ml). One (33.3%) of 3 C. tropicalis isolates was resistant to KET (MIC greater than or equal to 64 mug/ml). None of the C. guilliermondii or C. pelliculosa isolates was resistant to KET, FLU, AmpB, or FCU. Based on these results, AmpB is an effective antifungal agent that can be used against all Candida isolates.