Abstract:

Objective To compare the susceptibility of yeast and hyphal forms of Candida albicans to commonly used antifungal agents, so that to provide theoretical guidance for the pathogenic mycology research and clinical medication. Methods Susceptibility of 220 clinical isolates of Candida albicans to antifungal agents was determined using ATB Fungus 3 Kits (bioMerieux, France). Results The susceptibility rates of yeast and hyphal forms to amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and 5-fluorocytosine were 97.27% vs 97.73%, 81.82% vs 85%, 87.27% vs 90.46%, 92.72% vs 95%, 96.82% vs 97.27% respectively. MICs to fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole of yeast forms were higher than those of hyphal forms (P<0.05), No satistically difference was found to amphotericin B (P>0.05).The overall sensitivity of two tested forms to 5 antifungal agents was 85.46% (188/220). 32 yeast strains showed resistance and intermediation, but hyphal strains showed intermediation and sensitivity. Conclusion There were differences between the susceptibility of yeast and hyphal forms of Candidia albicans to antifungal agents. The antifungal activity of hyphal-form was higher than that of yeast-form.

Key words: Candida albicans, yeast-form, hyphal-form, susceptibility