Evaluation of the E test for antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida glabrata

The E test was compared to the reference NCCLS broth macrodilution method f or susceptibility testing of Candida (Torulopsis) glabrata. The MICs of amp hotericin B, flucytosine, fluconazole and itraconazole were determined usin g the appropriate culture media (RPMI 1640 agar with 2% glucose, Casitone a gar or Antibiotic Medium 3 agar) according to the drug tested. Agreement be tween the two methods was within plus/minus two dilutions for 77-100% of te st results, according to the drug/medium combination. The study revealed pr oblems in determining the MICs of azoles using the E test, and confirmed th e suitability of Casitone agar for susceptibility testing of fluconazole ev en if results were read within 24 h.