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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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A 96 Well Microtiter Plate-based Method for Monitoring Formation and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida albicans Biofilms
Published on: October 21, 2010
Well diffusion for antifungal susceptibility testing
S Magaldi1, S Mata-Essayag, C Hartung de Capriles
1Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
Summary
The well diffusion test offers a reliable and cost-effective alternative for antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida species. This method shows good correlation with the NCCLS standard, aiding in treatment decisions for resistant infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Rising resistance of Candida species to antifungal drugs poses a significant clinical challenge.
- Antifungal susceptibility testing is crucial for patients with treatment failures before empirical therapy selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the well diffusion (WD) test as a potential alternative for antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida species.
- To compare the efficacy of the WD test against the NCCLS standard broth microdilution method.
Main Methods:
- One hundred fifty-eight Candida isolates were tested using both broth microdilution (NCCLS standard) and well diffusion testing.
- Antifungal agents included fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, caspofungin, and amphotericin B.
Main Results:
- No significant difference (p>0.05) was found between WD and NCCLS methods for most Candida species and antifungal agents.
- Significant differences were observed for fluconazole in Candida glabrata and Candida albicans, indicating potential variations in specific scenarios.
Conclusions:
- The well diffusion test is a simple, inexpensive, and reproducible method for antifungal drug susceptibility testing.
- WD may serve as a viable alternative to the NCCLS method, especially in resource-limited laboratories.
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