In vitro comparison of the effect of honey and clotrimazole against Candida albicans isolated from vagina

Abstract

Background and aims: <em>Candida albicans</em> is the most common cause of Vulvovaginitis Candidiasis that is the most common vaginitis in human. It is estimated that more than 90% of these infections are caused by <em>Candida albicans</em>. Medical treatment for these infections is carried out with chemotherapeutic drugs such as azoles. The increasing resistance of <em>C. albicans</em> to the azoles as well as their probable side effects is public concerns. Therefore, research for new natural component having antifungal activity has been considered to be very important. This study was designed to compare the effect of honey and clotrimazole against <em>Candida albicans</em> isolated from vagina and standard strain. Methods: In this clinical trial study, Samples of vaginal discharges were prepared from 100 women with vulvovaginitis candidiasis. Isolation and complete identification of Candida species were performed andthe suspension of<em> Candida albicans</em> prepared for insemination. Different concentrations of honey and clotrimazol were prepared and 10 µl of yeast suspension was added and incubated. Then 10 µl of these medium was cultured. Finally, the number of yeasts was counted and MIC50 and MIC90 were determined in comparison with positive control. Results: Different concentrations of honey and clotrimazol inhibited the growth of <em>Candida albicans</em>. In MIC 50 the mean concentrations of honey and clotrimazol were 1.15±0.49 g/ml and 60.26± 6.24 µ g/ml respectively. In MIC 90 the mean concentrations of honey and clotrimazol were 3.10± 3.15 g/ml and 2.38±2.36µ g/ml respectively. This means that honey in 3.10 g/ml concentration had the same effect as clotrimazol with concentration of 2.38µ g/ml. Conclusion: Honey markedly inhibited the growth of <em>Candida</em> <em>albicans </em>and its effect was comparable to cloitrimazol.