OBJECTIVETo performance susceptibility testing of antifungal agents. Due to the increasing number of resistant strains, susceptibility testing of antifungal agents is gaining importance.

METHODSWe compared the results of standard macrotube dilution reference method with two different microdilution methods, as well as the disc diffusion method in order to test the susceptibility of 150 Candida strains to fluconazole.

RESULTSOverall correlation between microdilution and macrodilution methods was 86%. It was 91% between the Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations obtained from macrodilution and disc diffusion zone diameters.

CONCLUSIONThe disc diffusion test was evaluated as a low-cost, reproducible, and efficient way of assessing the in vitro susceptibility of Candida strains to fluconazole.

Antifungal Agents ; pharmacology ; Candida ; drug effects ; Diffusion ; Fluconazole ; pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; methods