Fluconazole-Resistant Vulvovaginal Candidosis: An Update on Current Management

Karolina Akinosoglou1,2, Achilleas Livieratos3, Konstantinos Asimos4

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Patras, 265 04 Rio, Greece.

Pharmaceutics
|January 8, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Managing fluconazole-resistant vulvovaginal candidiasis (FRVVC) requires exploring alternative antifungals and individualized treatment. Avoiding unnecessary antifungal use and cautious antibiotic prescribing are crucial for effective VVC management.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Rising prevalence of resistant *Candida* species (*Candida albicans*, *Candida glabrata*, *Candida krusei*) poses management challenges.
  • Fluconazole-resistant vulvovaginal candidiasis (FRVVC) necessitates alternative therapeutic strategies.
  • Antifungal overuse for non-*Candida* infections contributes to resistance and treatment failures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current management strategies for fluconazole-resistant vulvovaginal candidiasis (FRVVC).
  • To explore alternative antifungal therapies and treatment regimens.
  • To emphasize the impact of antibiotic use on microbiota and antifungal resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on FRVVC management.
  • Identification of alternative antifungal agents (e.g., boric acid, nystatin, oteseconazole, ibrexafungerp).
  • Analysis of treatment regimens, including individualized degressive (ReCiDiF) approaches.

Main Results:

  • Alternative therapies show promise for FRVVC.
  • Tailored treatment regimens are essential due to regional resistance variability.
  • The ReCiDiF regimen offers a personalized approach to minimize dosage and control infection.
  • Antibiotic use can disrupt microbiota, increasing VVC risk and promoting fluconazole resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Effective FRVVC management requires a shift from high-dose maintenance to individualized, degressive treatment.
  • Judicious use of antifungals and antibiotics is critical to combat resistance and preserve microbiota.
  • Further research into novel agents and treatment strategies is warranted.