COMPARISON OF FLUCONAZOLE MINIMUM INHIBITORY CONCENTRATIONS IN 3 DIFFERENT FORMULATIONS OF RPMI-1640

This study aimed to compare the susceptibilities of fluconazole, obtai ned in two laboratories, using three RPMI-1640 formulations (manufactu rers') and inhibition standards (80%). A total of 39 selected Candida species (in vitro susceptible and resistant) and Cryptococcus neoforma ns isolates were tested in each medium by broth macro- and microdiluti on procedures following the National Committee for clinical Laboratory Standards proposed reference method (M27-P). Macrodilution minimum in hibitory concentrations (MIC(80)%) were the lowest drug concentrations with turbidity (growth) less than or equal to that of the specific 80 % inhibition standards (1:5 growth control). Microdilution MIC-2 were the lowest drug concentrations in which there was prominent decrease i n growth. In general, the three formulations of RPMI-1640 medium provi ded similar MICs for most of the yeasts tested in both laboratories an d by each test.