Evaluation of the E-test: Comparison of E-test and Microbroth Dilution Method in Azole Antifungal Susceptibility Test

Abstract

The susceptibilities of clinical isolates of Candida spp. to fluconazole (FLCZ), itraconazole (ITCZ) and ketoconazole (KCZ) were determined by a new method, E-test (AB BIODISK, Sweden) and compared with those obtained by the microbroth dilution method. The MIC values of the 3 azoles obtained by the two methods were, in general, in good agreement. While MICs of FLCZ and KCZ demonstrated higher essential agreement rates and better correlation by both methods, MIC values of ITCZ by the E-test had a tendency to be higher than those of the microbroth dilution method in azole resistant strains.
Potential usability of E-test as a broth dilution method for susceptibility tests for clinically isolated Candida spp. including azole resistant strains was discussed.