BACKGROUND: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an important cause of morbidity among
women due to Candida species. In the last decades, resistance to azoles,
first-line antifungals has increased. One molecular mechanism of azole
resistance by Candida involves mutations in the ERG11 gene encoding lanosterol
14-α-demethylase, the target enzyme. This study was conducted to identify the
clinical Candida species associated in vulvovaginal candidiasis; to determine
the rate of antifungal resistance among Candida albicans isolates and to
determine mutated ERG11 gene at Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou, Burkina
Faso.
METHODS: Antifungals susceptibility were performed using Kirby-Bauer disk
diffusion method. ERG11 gene was detected using conventional PCR in C. albicans
isolates resistant to at least one azole.
RESULTS: Out of 262 clinical strains isolated, C. albicans accounted for 59.90%,
followed by Candida glabrata 27.86%, Candida famata 7.25%, Candida tropicalis
3.05% and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1.91%. Resistance rate of fluconazole to C.
albicans was 59.54%. ERG11 gene was found in 9.79% of 92 C. albicans strains
resistant to azoles.
CONCLUSIONS: This detection of mutated ERG11 gene in C. albicans is the first in
Burkina Faso and may be a cause of azole resistance in recurrent Candida
vulvovaginitis.

Azole resistance; Burkina Faso; Candida albicans; ERG11 gene; Vulvovaginitis