Phenotypic characterization and antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida isolates from women with vulvovaginal candidiasis at a community health center linked to a teaching institution in the Sub-Himalayan region of North India

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is considered a common gynecological problem among females of reproductive age group. 70-75% of women report having had candidal vulvovaginitis at some point in their lifetimes and 40-50% suffer recurrent candidal vulvovaginitis. This study aims to identify the Candida species involved in VVC and to determine their antifungal susceptibility pattern. The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted on 257 females (18-55 yr) with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge. For detection of Candida, the swab samples were subjected to Gram stain, 10% KOH mount, and culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). species identification was done by subculturing isolates onto CHROMagar, corn meal agar (Himedia), and further confirmation was done by MALDI-TOF MS. Antifungal testing was done using the disk diffusion method. A total of 257 females with complaints of abnormal discharge were enrolled in this study. Out of 257, 37 (58.7%) and 26 (41.3%) isolates were identified as non-albicans . Out of 63 positive cases, a maximum number of study subject belongs to the age group 26-35 years (50.8%). Along with vaginal discharge, itching (65.37%) is the most common complaint. VVC was found to be most predominant in patients with prolonged antibiotic therapy (38.1%), and in pregnant females (15.9%). Understanding the emerging fungal pathogens and their drug susceptibility patterns is essential for the effective management of infections. Drug resistance can lead to treatment failure and highlights the need for alternative treatment options or strategies.