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Protocols for Vaginal Inoculation and Sample Collection in the Experimental Mouse Model of Candida vaginitis
Published on: December 8, 2011
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Vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnancy
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
Current Infectious Disease Reports
|April 29, 2015
Summary
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is common in pregnancy, often asymptomatic. While linked to potential complications, suppressive therapy is generally avoided, with topical treatments preferred for symptomatic episodes.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candida species commonly colonize the vagina, affecting at least 20% of women, with prevalence increasing to 30% during pregnancy.
- Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), with symptomatic infections often occurring in the second and third trimesters.
- Pregnancy-related factors, including altered immunity, elevated estrogen, and increased vaginal glycogen, contribute to the heightened susceptibility to VVC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence and implications of vaginal candidiasis during pregnancy.
- To discuss the current approaches to managing recurrent VVC (RVVC) in pregnant individuals.
- To highlight the lack of data on long-term suppressive oral azole therapy in pregnant women with RVVC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of prevalence studies on vaginal candidiasis in women and pregnant individuals.
- Analysis of factors contributing to increased VVC risk during pregnancy.
- Examination of potential associations between candidiasis and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Assessment of current treatment strategies for VVC and RVVC in pregnancy, including the avoidance of suppressive oral azoles.
Main Results:
- VVC prevalence is higher in pregnant women, with both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections observed.
- Emerging data suggests a potential link between candidiasis in pregnancy and complications like preterm labor and chorioamnionitis.
- No formal studies evaluate long-term suppressive oral azoles for RVVC in pregnancy; topical treatments are preferred for symptomatic episodes.
Conclusions:
- Vaginal candidiasis is a significant concern in pregnancy, potentially associated with adverse outcomes.
- Current clinical practice favors topical imidazole treatment for 7 days for symptomatic VVC episodes, minimizing systemic exposure.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal management strategies for recurrent VVC in pregnant populations.
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