Review article

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Deni Karelović ; KBC Split
Lukrecija Karelović ; Ustanova za hitnu medicinsku pomoć Split
Joško Zekan ; KBC Zagreb

Abstract

Following bacterial, vulvovaginal mycosis is the most common vaginal infection. It is a common disease in young women, found in about 15% to 30% of symptomatic women visiting a clinician. The overall prevalence of the disease is estimated at 5% to 15%. The most common causative agent is Candida albicans, responsible for 80% to 92% of episodes. Vulvovaginal mycosis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. Candida spp. form part of normal vaginal flora in 20% to 50% of healthy asymptomatic women. The dominant symptom is pruritus with little or no discharge. When present, vaginal discharge is characteristically white, clumpy and curdlike. Other possible symptoms include pain, irritation, vulvar burning, dysuria and dyspareunia. Diagnosis is made by finding yeast on a wet mount of the discharge, adding 10% potassium hydroxide. Microscopy is negative in up to 50% of patients with confirmed vulvovaginal candidiasis. A culture is necessary in patients with characteristic symptoms and negative microscopy. Asymptomatic colonisation is not an indication for treatment. We differentiate between uncomplicated and complicated forms of the disease, and the type and duration of treatment are based on this classification. Uncomplicated forms are equally well treated by vaginal and oral preparations. The optimal treatment is oral fluconazole (Zenafluk®, PLIVA) in a single 150 mg dose. Complicated infections require longer courses of treatment.

Keywords

mycosis; Candida; infection; colonisation; vulvovaginal candidiasis; Candida vulvovaginitis

Hrčak ID:

89359

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/89359

Publication date:

23.1.2012.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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