[Morphological analysis of the effect of corticosteroids on the development and course of vaginal candidiasis]

Specific features of the development and course of vaginal candidiasis were examined in corticosteroid-treated mice. Corticosteoids enhance epithelial adhesion of fungal cells and contribute to rapid invasion of the causative agent. Tissue inflammatory response in slow and weak. Pseudomycelium penetrates deep into Malpighi's layer, and, at some sites, damages the epithelial basal layer and invades the mucosal plate. In some animals, vascular invasion led to hematogenic dissemination. The described tissue and cellular mechanisms must be the basis of the stimulating effect of corticosteroids on vaginal candidiasis in the humans.