Susceptibility testing of Candida species: comparison of NCCLS microdilution method with Fungitest (R)

Fungitest(R) is a new commercially available and easy-to-perform breakpoint test system using six antifungal agents. We compared this test with a modi fied standard method described by the National Committee for Clinical Labor atory Standards (NCCLS). One hundred isolates of Candida species were teste d with both methods. Based on the same breakpoints, the correlation of qual itative results between the reference method and Fungitest(R) was high. Bes t results were obtained after incubation of Fungitest(R) for 48 h. Overall agreement was high, an excellent correlation was given with amphotericin B and flucytosine (100% and 99%, respectively), whereas itraconazole showed o nly 86% concordance. When Fungitest(R) was read after 24 h the agreement wa s lower ranging from 100% to 75%. Some of the breakpoints used with Fungite st(R) differ from the breakpoints recommended by NCCLS, whereas others have not been elaborated by the NCCLS. The adaptation of Fungitest(R) breakpoin ts to NCCLS and determination of further breakpoints have to be discussed b efore Fungitest(R) can be recommended for routine use. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sc ience Inc. All rights reserved.