Uncovering the Yeast Diversity in the Female Genital Tract: An Exploration of Spatial Distribution and Antifungal Resistance

Abstract

Candida albicans is the leading cause of vulvovaginal yeast infections; however, other species are becoming relevant in this niche. The spatial distribution of these fungi in the female genital tract remains poorly understood. In this study, swab samples were collected from 33 patients, first from the anterior vulva and then from the upper third and right lateral wall of the vagina: 16 were with symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis and 17 were without characteristic symptoms; furthermore, the genus and species of each isolate were identified. In vitro susceptibility testing for fluconazole and clotrimazole was performed for all isolates. Candida albicans was the most common species (63.6%), followed by Rhodotorula spp. (51.5%), and then Candida parapsilosis (15.2%). Rhodotorula spp. and C. parapsilosis were more commonly associated with colonization, and C. albicans with infection. Rhodotorula spp. isolates presented a low susceptibility to fluconazole, with the MIC ranging from 32 to >64 µg/mL. Differences in susceptibility to fluconazole and clotrimazole between the pairs of vaginal and vulvar isolates were found for Candida albicans, Rhodotorula spp., and Nakaseomyces glabratus. The results suggest that different niches may impact the susceptibility profiles of the isolates, as well as their different clinical behaviors.

Study of Ecological Relationship of Yeast Species with Candida albicans in the Context of Vulvovaginal Infections

“…Furthermore, Rhodotorula spp. and C. parapsilosis were more commonly associated with host colonization, while C. albicans were more associated with infection [14]. In another study, we found that C. albicans was the most prevalent Candida spp., both in acute and chronic cases of vaginal candidosis [15].…”

“…In a recent study, we identified that the most prevalent species detected in clinical vaginal samples was C. albicans, present in 63.6% (21/33) of patients, followed by Rhodotorula spp. in 51.5% (17/33), C. parapsilosis in 15.2% (5/33), Naganishia glabratus in 9.1% (3/33), C. tropicalis in 3.0% (1/33), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in 3.0% (1/33) [14]. Furthermore, Rhodotorula spp.…”

Development and Evaluation of Microencapsulated Oregano Essential Oil as an Alternative Treatment for Candida albicans Infections

“…1 Candida albicans is the most commonly found species, accounting for approximately 20% to 90% of the recovered isolates. 2 One of the main virulence mucosa. Subsequent invasion by hyphae activates epithelial signaling pathways leading to pro-inflammatory responses and biofilm formation.…”

“…At the beginning of VVC infection, patients may experience itching, redness, and burning of the vulva and vaginal mucosa, leading to frequent urination, dyspareunia, dysuria, and a consequent impaired quality of life Candida albicans is the most commonly found species, accounting for approximately 20% to 90% of the recovered isolates . One of the main virulence factors of C. albicans is the yeast-to-hypha transition, which occurs after adhesion to the epithelial cells of the vulvovaginal mucosa.…”