[Local humoral immunity in vulvovaginal candidiasis]

Recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a significant problem facing women of child bearing age. It is now accepted that RVVC is the consequence of local immunodeficiency. The aim of this study was to assess differential secretion of IgAs and IgG anti-C. albicans in vaginal secretions of patients with RVVC, VVC and asymptomatic women. Vaginal secretions collected from 3 groups of women: 14 patients with RVVC, 8 patients with VVC and 17 asymptomatic women. Overall analysis of vaginal secretions revealed that the prevalence of IgAs (73%) and IgG (33%) antibodies anti-C. albicans were significantly different. The prevalence of IgAs antibodies was 86% in patients with RVVC, 75% in women with VVC and 61% in asymptomatic women. IgG antibodies were detected in 43% of women with RVVC, in 37% of women with VVC and in 18% of asymptomatic women. Sensibility and specificity of detection of IgA in vaginal secretion were 54% and 83%, respectively. The prevalence of detection of IgAs and IgG were more important in patients than asymptomatic women. However, RVVC cannot be attributed only to the impairment of local humoral immunity and further proteomic investigations are needed.