Background and Objectives: Candida albicans complex species are well known as the main cause of candidiasis, particu- larly among susceptible individuals. In this study, we report the genetic diversity of Candida spp. and the antifungal suscep- tibility pattern of the cryptic C. albicans complex isolates in Kerman, Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 112 yeast isolates were obtained from different clinical samples, and molecular identifi- cation was performed. All C. albicans complex isolates were tested for susceptibility of them to amphotericin B, fluconazole, and itraconazole. Results: The majority of clinical isolates were C. albicans complex (n=48) followed by C. glabrata complex (n=34), C. parapsilosis complex (n=21), and C. krusei (n=9). Among C. albicans complex, 45 isolates were C. albicans (94%), 2 iso- lates were C. dubliniensis (4%), and 1 isolate was C. africana (2%). Amphotericin B was the most active antifungal, whereas. 8.9% and 6.7% of the isolates were resistant to fluconazole and itraconazole, respectively. Conclusion: Regarding the high incidence of Candida infections particularly in susceptible populations and the emergence of an infrequent yeast species with elevated MICs, which is indistinguishable with conventional methods, developing accu- rate molecular methods for laboratory diagnosis should be considered in the clinical setting.

Aim Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), is a common fungal infection that remains a global concern. The objectives of this study were molecular identification and assessment of the antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species, causing VVC in southeast Iran. Methods A cross‐sectional investigation was carried out on 119 nonpregnant females suspected of VVC between February 2019 and May 2021. Yeast samples were characterized to the species level by conventional and molecular methods. All Candida isolates were examined for in vitro susceptibility profile to six conventional antifungal drugs using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results Out of 119 subjects, 52 (43.7%) cases were affected by VVC, out of whom 11 (21.15%) cases had recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). The species distribution was as follows; Candida albicans (n = 21; 40.4%), C. glabrata (n = 11; 21.2%), C. tropicalis (n = 9; 17.3%), C. parapsilosis (n = 5; 9.7%), C. africana (n = 3; 5.7%), C. famata (n = 1; 1.9%), C. lusitaniae (n = 1; 1.9%), and C. dubliniensis (n = 1; 1.9%). The resistance rate of Candida isolates to fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole were 15.38%, 11.5%, and 3.8%, respectively. Resistance to fluconazole was obtained in 46% (5/11) of RVVC cases but only in 7% (3/41) of VVC cases. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the majority of VVC cases were caused by non‐albicans Candida species which also were resistant to some antifungal agents. Hence, our findings revealed the importance of conducting periodical epidemiological studies to determine changes in species distribution. Moreover, for effective management of treatment and infection, it is imperative to evaluate the susceptibility profiles of Candida species isolated from VVC patients.

Background: Fusarium species are significant plant and human pathogens. Current chemical agents against them are limited by their side effects and developed resistance, requiring an alternative way to overcome this problem. Objective: We aimed to assess the inhibitory effects of Streptomyces strains isolated from soil samples against Fusarium species. Methods: Totally 250 samples were collected. Morphological and physiological characterizations of the isolates were investigated. All isolates were evaluated to test their antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani. Molecular identification of active Streptomyces isolates was conducted using the 16S rRNA gene. Results: Fifty Streptomyces isolates were obtained. Among them, two strains showed the most antagonistic effect against Fusarium species. According to the analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, these isolates were identified as Streptomyces rochei. Conclusion: The obtained results of this study indicated that S. rochei could use as a potent source of bioactive compounds with antifungal activity.