Vulvovaginal Candidosis: Current Concepts, Challenges and Perspectives

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) is a frequently occurring infection of the lower female genital tract, mostly affecting immuno-competent women at childbearing age. Candida albicans is the most prevalent pathogenic yeast—apart from other non-albicans species—related to this fungal infection. Different virulence factors of C. albicans have been identified, which increase the risk of developing VVC. To initiate treatment and positively influence the disease course, fast and reliable diagnosis is crucial. In this narrative review, we cover the existing state of understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis of VVC. However, treatment recommendations should follow current guidelines.

Flavones, Flavonols, and Glycosylated Derivatives—Impact on Candida albicans Growth and Virulence, Expression of CDR1 and ERG11, Cytotoxicity

“…Its significance as a serious health as well as economic burden is a consequence of high mortality rates (>70%) in some groups of patients, mainly immunocompromised [1]. Yeast C. albicans is the predominant cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis, a disease affecting up to 75% of women once in a lifetime [2], as well as oral candidiasis [3] and the prevalent healthcare-associated invasive fungal infection-invasive candidiasis [4]. Besides posing a serious threat to human health it is also the causative agent of animal skin infections [5].…”

Evaluation of Sexual Satisfaction in Pregnant Women with Vaginal Candidiasis

“…The first section included personal information such as education level, occupation of the woman, and her spouse, body mass index, housing status, income, and pregnancy status. The second part of the questionnaire was the Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire that consisted of 25 items, 13 of which (25,24,20,18,15,14,11,9,8,7,6,5,4) were count reversed. The third part of the questionnaire was about the effect of antibiotics and corticosteroids on the sexual satisfaction of pregnant women infected with Candida.…”

“…Its deep type causes various abdominal infections, including the kidney, liver, and its superficial types cause the epidermis and mucosal surfaces, including the esophagus, mouth, throat, intestine, and bladder [14]. Symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis are due to different types of candida [15]. 75% of women develop vulvovaginal candidiasis at least once in their lifetime, with recurrence occurring in 5-10% [16].…”

Validation of the SavvyCheck™ Vaginal Yeast Test for Screening Pregnant Women for Vulvovaginal Candidosis: A Prospective, Cross-Sectional Study

“…In a large randomized controlled trial, we were able to demonstrate that this risk reduction also applied for women with VVC apart from those who were diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV) [ 11 ]. Moreover, it is well known that infants born to mothers with VVC frequently exhibit diaper dermatitis or oral thrush due to vertical mother-to-child transmission [ 13 ].…”