Prevalence of vaginal colonization by drug-resistant Candida species in college-age women with previous exposure to over-the-counter azole antifungals

Clin Infect Dis. 2001 Sep 1;33(5):E23-7. doi: 10.1086/322600. Epub 2001 Jul 25.

Abstract

We enrolled 382 college-age women in a cross-sectional survey to investigate the relationship between use of over-the-counter (OTC) azole-based antifungal drugs and vaginal colonization by drug-resistant Candida. This study showed no correlation (P=.506) between previous OTC exposure and colonization of drug-resistant Candida in vaginal flora. However, a small number of resistant Candida species isolates were obtained from women with a history of multiple exposures to OTC antifungals; given the widespread use of these products, this may be an emerging concern.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Azoles / therapeutic use*
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / drug therapy*
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / epidemiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial
  • Female
  • Fluconazole / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nonprescription Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Prevalence
  • Students / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Azoles
  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Fluconazole