This study aimed to determine the antifungal susceptibility profiles and ABC genotypes of Candida albicans strains isolated from Vietnamese women of reproductive age with vulvovaginal candidiasis.

A total of ninety-three C. albicans strains isolated from Vietnamese women of reproductive age with vulvovaginal candidiasis were determined for ABC genotypes using PCR targeting the 25S rDNA. Antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out based on the broth microdilution method in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute documents (M27-A3 and M27M44S-ED3).

Three different genotypes of C. albicans were identified. Among these genotypes, genotype A (72.04%) was the most frequent, followed by genotype C (18.28%) and genotype B (9.68%), respectively. The resistance rates to fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and 5-flucytosine were 7.52%, 13.98%, 7.52%, 9.68%, and 23.66%, respectively. Azole and amphotericin B resistance predominated in genotype C, whereas flucytosine resistance was mainly associated with genotype A.

The genotype distribution of C. albicans among Vietnamese women with vulvovaginal candidiasis was quite consistent with findings from other studies worldwide, in which genotype A was the predominant genotype. Distinct associations were observed between genotypes and antifungal resistance patterns, with azole and amphotericin B resistance mainly found in genotype C and flucytosine resistance predominating in genotype A. These findings suggest that determining genotypes and antifungal susceptibility profiles is important for informing clinical management and antifungal resistance surveillance.