Isolation and Identification of Candida Species Causing Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Using the VITEK 2 System in Duhok City/ Iraq

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent gynecological disease characterized by vaginal wall inflammation that is caused by Candida species. VVC impacts almost three-quarters of all women throughout their reproductive years. This study was aimed to assess the incidence and species distribution of Candida in Duhok women presenting with vaginal Candidiasis. Using selective media Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), germ tube test (GTT), chlamydospore formation, and CHROMagar Candida. A total of 200 samples of high vaginal infection were collected from patients in Azadi teaching hospital/Duhok city. A total of 71 samples Candida species, 114 with normal flora, 14 with bacterial infection, and 1 with parasite infection. These isolates were subjected to GTT, chlamydospore formation, and inoculation on CHROMagar Candida.

 Candida albicans was the main species isolated (67.6%), followed by C. glabrata (23.9%), C. krusei (7.0%), and C. tropicalis (1.4%) based on colony color. Following this, species confirmation and antifungal susceptibility testing are performed using the VITEK 2 system.

Regarding antifungal sensitivity, micafungin and voriconazole have proven to be the most effective, exhibiting the lowest MIC values. These are followed by caspofungin, fluconazole, amphotericin B, and flucytosine, indicating their relative efficacy in treating Candida infections. This comprehensive approach ensures accurate identification and optimal treatment strategies for Candida species.