Hi there:  I read my April 1, 1997 issue of Journal Watch and found
something that might be of interest to all of you who deal with yeast.
According to an article by Spinillo et al. "Prevalence of and risk factors
for fungal vaginitis caused by non-albicans species" which appeared in the
Jan 1997 Am J. Obstet Gynecol we have experienced a sharp increase of
non-albicans vaginitis in the US.  The prevalence of symptomatic fungal
infection caused by non-albicans species increased from 9.9% in 1988 to
17.2% in 1995.  Non-albicans infection was twice as likely in those who
were HIV positive, but not at all trival in the non-HIV populations.
Unfortunately, non-albicans species are resistant to standard
over-the-counter azole and polyene antimycotics because of the biochemical
properties of these organisms and their ability to develop resistance from
past exposure.

I suspect that we are also seeing a rise in non-albicans fungus breast
infections that are drug resistant.  Any takers?  Are any of you culturing
to check for species?  I'd be interested to hear your results.  :)

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