In vitro Antifungal Activities of Fluconazole, Camellia sinensis and Cydonia oblonga Leaf Extracts Against Candida Species Isolated from Blood Cultures

Objective: In this study we investigated in vitro antifungal activity of fluconazole, green tea (Camellia sinensis) and quince leaf (Cydonia oblonga) extracts in Candida strains isolated from blood cultures. Methods: Fifty Candida spp were included to study. Camellia sinensis and Cydonia oblonga leaves collected from Rize and Erzurum/Tortum regions were prepared as an extract. Then stock solutions of the extracts and fluconazole powder obtained from the manufacturer were prepared for use in the Broth Microdilution (BMD) method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27 A3 recommendation. Fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values obtained from BMD method were evaluated according to CLSI M27 A4 break points. MIC values obtained for Camellia sinensis and Cydonia oblonga were interpreted according to fluconazole break points since there is no break points in the literature. Results: Of the 50 Candida spp. included in the study, 37 (74%) were C. albicans while 13 (26%) were non-albicans species. The most common isolated non-albicans species was C. parapsilosis (14%). For all tested Candida strains MIC 50 and MIC 90 values for fluconazole were found to be 0.125 mu g/mL- 0.25 mu g/mL while they were determined as 0.125 mu g/mL-64 mu g/mL and 0.125 mu g/mL-0.125 mu g/mL for green tea and quince leaves, respectively. Conclusion: According to the low MIC values, it is seen that green tea and quince leaf are in vitro effective against Candida species. However, further extensive in vitro and in vivo studies should be done on the possibility that green tea and quince leaf can be used alternatively in the treatment of invasive Candida infections.