Liofilchem® Clotrimazole Clo Antimicrobial Susceptibility Disc, 50 µg

Liofilchem® Clotrimazole CLO Discs (50 µg) are high-quality antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) discs designed for in vitro testing of antifungal activity using the agar diffusion method. Each disc is impregnated with 50 µg of Clotrimazole, an imidazole-class antifungal agent primarily used to assess the susceptibility of yeasts and dermatophytes, including Candida spp., Trichophyton spp., and Microsporum spp. Manufactured under ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 quality systems, these discs are widely used in clinical mycology, pharmaceutical testing, and antifungal resistance research.

Key Features

• Standardized antifungal potency: Each disc contains 50 µg of Clotrimazole for consistent, reproducible results.
• Broad-spectrum antifungal agent: Effective against Candida, dermatophytes, and some filamentous fungi.
• Validated performance: Suitable for antifungal susceptibility screening following standardized agar diffusion protocols.
• Sterile and shelf-stable: Supplied in sealed cartridges or canisters with desiccant to preserve activity and sterility.
• Color-coded labeling: Ensures easy identification and handling in high-throughput mycology labs.

Applications and Use Cases

1. Clinical Mycology

• Assess susceptibility of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and other yeasts from clinical isolates.
• Guide topical antifungal therapy decisions for:
  • Oral and vaginal candidiasis
  • Dermatophytosis (e.g., athlete’s foot, ringworm)
  • Skin and mucosal fungal infections

2. Veterinary and Dermatological Testing

• Determine antifungal effectiveness in dermatological samples from human or veterinary patients with cutaneous mycoses.

3. Pharmaceutical Quality Control

• Evaluate the potency of Clotrimazole-based topical formulations.
• Support batch release testing for creams, ointments, and powders containing Clotrimazole.

4. Research and Development

• Monitor antifungal resistance in Candida spp. and dermatophytes.
• Screen environmental and clinical isolates for reduced susceptibility to imidazoles.
• Study mechanisms of azole resistance in emerging pathogenic fungi.

Use Instructions

1. Prepare Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) or Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with glucose and methylene blue (for Candida spp.), depending on the fungal species.
2. Standardize the fungal inoculum using a 0.5 McFarland turbidity standard.
3. Inoculate the agar surface evenly with a sterile swab.
4. Apply one Clotrimazole disc (50 µg) per plate using sterile forceps or an automatic disc dispenser.
5. Incubate the plate at 28–30 °C for 24–48 hours depending on the organism.
6. Measure the zone of inhibition in millimeters.
7. Interpret using internal lab criteria or published research standards (as standardized breakpoints are limited for topical antifungals).

Storage and Shelf Life

• Storage Conditions: 2–8 °C (refrigerated), protected from moisture.
• Shelf Life: 2–3 years from the date of manufacture when stored sealed and under recommended conditions.

Liofilchem® Clotrimazole CLO Discs (50 µg) provide an effective and standardized method for evaluating the antifungal activity of Clotrimazole against clinical, veterinary, and environmental fungal isolates. They support diagnostic decision-making, therapeutic planning, and antifungal resistance surveillance in both clinical and pharmaceutical contexts. With robust manufacturing quality and ease of use, these discs are a reliable choice for mycology laboratories and formulation testing.