The Lactobacilli--Candida relationship in cervico-vaginal smears

The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between the presence of Lactobacilli and the growth of Candida. For this purpose, 1110 cervico-vaginal smears were examined cytologically and 450 patients who were normally menstruating were subsequently selected among them. Fifty nine of 450 were diagnosed as having Candida and they were accepted as study group. Three hundred and ninety-one patients who were diagnosed as having no infectious agents were accepted as control group. Lactobacilli were present in 50 of 59 in various degree and were absent in 9 of 59. The prevalence rates of the presence of Lactobacilli (84.74%) as well as intermediate cells (98.30%) were higher in study group than in control group. There was also a significant correlation between the presence of Lactobacilli and the growth of Candida (p < 0.05). Statistical analysis was performed with chi 2 test using SPSS package programme. We can suggest that Lactobacilli do not have a protective role when there is Candida growth in the vaginal mucosa.