SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING OF FUNGI AND CORRELATION WITH CLINICAL OUTCOME

With recent developments in the field of mycology such as increased in cidence of fungal infections, the introduction of newer, safer antifun gals, and the emergence of resistance, the need for clinically relevan t antifungal susceptibility testing methods is obvious. Studies perfor med over the past decade have allowed the NCCLS Subcommittee on Antifu ngal Testing to achieve consensus on a new standardized broth dilution method for in vitro susceptibility testing of yeast (NCCLS M27). This review summarizes the studies correlating in vine susceptibility test ing and clinical outcome, presents tentative breakpoints for fluconazo le and itraconazole, and emphasizes the utility of in vitro testing in the management of patients with candidiasis.