Histopathology of human vaginal candidosis

Histological changes of vaginal and ectocervical mucosa in women of reproductive age suffering from vaginal candidosis are described. The epithelial surface is covered with adherent masses composed of desquamated and destroyed epithelial cells and leucocytes impregnated with proteinaceous fluid and penetrated by pseudomycelium. The outer epithelial layers are characterized by dystrophic and necrobiotic changes, desquamation, formation of fissures and small cavities. Pseudomycelium penetrates 4 to 6 superficial epithelial layers. The barrier between the invading pseudomycelium and the blood vessels of the lamina propria papillae in some sites is only 5 to 6 flattened epithelial cells thick. In the basal epithelial layer, increased mitotic activity is noted. Lamina propria contains lympho-plasmocytic infiltrates. The problems of pathogenesis and diagnosis of vaginal candidosis are discussed in connection with the present findings.