Jpn. J. Infect. Dis., 58, 44-46, 2005
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Short Communication
In Vitro Susceptibility of Candida Species Isolated from Blood Culture to Some Antifungal Agents
Sumru Citak1, Berrin Ozcelik*,
Salih Cesur2 and Ufuk Abbasoglu
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy
and
1Department of Biology, Faculty
of Science, Gazi University and
2Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory,
Refik Saydam Hygiene Center, Ankara, Turkey
(Received July 29, 2004. Accepted October 12, 2004)
*Corresponding author: Mailing address: Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara 06330, Turkey. Tel: +90-312-2154468, Fax: +90-312-2235018, E-mail: microberr@yahoo.com
SUMMARY: 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 >/= 64 mg/ml),
6 (10.7%) were resistant to KET (MIC >/= 64 mg/ml)
and 3 (5.3%) were resistant to FCU (MIC >/= 32 mg/ml).
One (14.3%) of 7 C. parapsilosis isolates was resistant
to FLU (MIC >/= 64 mg/ml). One (33.3%)
of 3 C. tropicalis isolates was resistant to KET (MIC
>/= 64 mg/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.