Exploring the molecular mechanisms of multiple antifungal drug-resistant genes expression in Candida tropicalis: an emerging threat in vulvovaginal candidiasis patients.

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is increasingly caused by non-Candida albicans species due to antifungal drug misuse. Resistance to Candida tropicalis is particularly concerning, as persistent infections are linked to resistant isolates. This study investigated the expression of eight drug-resistant genes in 39 C. tropicalis strains from China and Pakistan. RT-qPCR analysis revealed ERG 1 as the most highly upregulated gene, while CDR2 was the most downregulated. Notably, ERG 1 was the most upregulated gene in Pakistani strains, while ERG 6 was most upregulated in Chinese strains. Our findings highlight the overexpression of ERG1, ERG11, CDR1, CDR2, and MDR1, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance. This study has significant clinical implications for improving patient outcomes in the face of rising resistant infections.