ANTIFUNGAL RESISTANCE PATTERNS OF CANDIDA SPECIES IN VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS: A FOCUS ON THE EMERGENCE OF NON Albicans candida AND THERAPEUTIC IMPLICATIONS

Non-albicans Candida (NAC) species and antifungal resistance are becoming increasingly linked to vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a frequent gynecological infection. The prevalence, species distribution, and antifungal susceptibility of Candida isolates in women of reproductive age were examined in this study. Fifty (50) subjects had their vaginal swabs taken, and they were then grown on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and chromogenic agar. Biochemical responses and colony morphology were used to identify Candida isolates. Using established procedures, antifungal susceptibility to six widely used drugs was evaluated. Twenty-six (26) (52%) of the 50 subjects tested positive for Candida. The age group of 21–25 years old had the highest frequency (42.3%). The most isolated species was Candida krusei (34.6%), which was followed by Candida albicans (26.9%), Candida tropicalis (15.4%), Candida parapsilosis (15.4%), and Candida glabrata (7.7%). Antifungal tests showed high resistance to fluconazole (92.3%), clotrimazole (57.7%), and nystatin (53.8%), as well as universal resistance to amphotericin B. Miconazole, on the other hand, exhibited the highest activity (96.1% susceptibility). A notable change in the epidemiology of VVC is shown by the prevalence of fluconazole resistance and the preponderance of NAC species, particularly C. krusei. In this situation, miconazole continues to be the most effective antifungal medication. These findings emphasize the need for species-level identification; effective management depends on ongoing surveillance, antifungal care, and routine Candida speciation.