ABSTRACT
Objective: Azole antifungal drugs have been a treatment option for Candida albicans infections. However, azole resistance can occur through different mechanisms such as alterations in ERG11 [lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase]. This study assesses ERG11 gene mutations in Candida albicans strains isolated from patients with Candidia volvovaginitis in a number of Rasht hospitals between 2012-2014 by direct PCR and sequencing
Methods: We identified the yeast strains by standard identification methods, such as germ tubes. Drug sensitivity was determined as MIC 90 values by the macrodilution broth method based on the CLSI protocol. We screened the resistant strains prior to DNA extraction and ERG11 gene mutations were confirmed by PCR sequencing
Results: From 40 strains, 4 showed high levels of resistance to fluconazole. Of these, two species had a MIC 90 of 512microg/ml and the other two species had a MIC 90 of 1024 microg/ml. Three strains had D116E and V456G polymorphisms
Conclusion: The most fluconazole resistant Candida albicans strains worldwide were reported. Our results suggested a correlation between the polymorphism and fluconazole resistance in the Candida albicans strains