Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi
12:33

Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi

Published on: July 6, 2016

Vaginal Candida parapsilosis: pathogen or bystander?

Paul Nyirjesy1, Alynn B Alexander, M Velma Weitz

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. pn35@drexel.edu

Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 26, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Candida parapsilosis vaginal infections are uncommon but can cause symptoms. Most cases respond well to various antifungal treatments, suggesting it may be a transient colonizer.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Vaginal Microbiome Research
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Candida parapsilosis is rarely identified in vaginal cultures.
  • Its role in causing vaginal conditions is not well understood.
  • Previous studies have not focused on its clinical significance or treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical significance of Candida parapsilosis vaginal isolates.
  • To evaluate the response of C. parapsilosis vaginal infections to antifungal therapy.
  • To characterize patient demographics and clinical presentation associated with C. parapsilosis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of women with positive vaginal cultures for C. parapsilosis (February 2001-August 2002).
  • Analysis of patient demographics, clinical symptoms, and treatment responses.
  • Determination of mycological cure (negative fungal culture) and clinical cure (symptom resolution).

Main Results:

  • Candida parapsilosis accounted for 8.5% of positive fungal isolates (54/635).
  • Antifungal treatment achieved mycological cure with fluconazole (17/19), butoconazole (7/7), boric acid (6/6), and miconazole (1/1).
  • Spontaneous mycological cure occurred in 6/7 patients, and 64.9% of those with mycological cure also achieved clinical cure.

Conclusions:

  • Candida parapsilosis can cause vaginal symptoms.
  • It appears to be susceptible to a range of antifungal agents.
  • The yeast may act as a transient vaginal colonizer rather than a persistent pathogen.

More Related Videos

Protocols for Vaginal Inoculation and Sample Collection in the Experimental Mouse Model of Candida vaginitis07:57

Protocols for Vaginal Inoculation and Sample Collection in the Experimental Mouse Model of Candida vaginitis

Published on: December 8, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Candidiasis01:20

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
Trichomoniasis01:18

Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the United States. This extracellular parasite primarily colonizes the lower genitourinary tract in women—particularly the vagina—and in men, the urethra and prostate. Its structural and functional adaptations enable its survival, motility, and pathogenicity within the host environment.Structural Features and Host EntryT.
Diversity of Protists I01:15

Diversity of Protists I

Excavata is a diverse group of protists that includes both chemoorganotrophic and phototrophic species, with some thriving in anaerobic environments. Among the key groups within Excavata are diplomonads and parabasalids, which are flagellated protists that lack mitochondria and chloroplasts. These microorganisms typically inhabit anoxic environments, such as the intestines of animals, where they exist either symbiotically or as parasites, relying on fermentation for energy production. Some...
Infection01:20

Infection

When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Colonisation of Pathogens01:25

Colonisation of Pathogens

Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...