Candida parapsilosis Vaginal Infection-a New Site of Azole Drug Resistance.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Evaluation of pathogenicity of an uncommon vaginal Candida species, Candida parapsilosis with particular references to susceptibility to conventional antifungal agents. RECENT FINDINGS: C. parapsilosis vaginal isolates usually present in asymptomatic women as commensals but may induce vulvovaginal symptoms indistinguishable from C. albicans requiring antifungal therapy; however, recent experience reveals clinically relevant resistance to the azole class of antimycotics. CONCLUSION: Clinicians are required to determine a causal relationship between vaginal isolates of C. parapsilosis before prescribing antifungal agents, recognizing the possibility of fluconazole resistance to explain refractory symptomatology.