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Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Current Understanding and Burning Questions
Hubertine M E Willems1, Salman S Ahmed2, Junyan Liu1
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 29, 2020
Summary
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) affects healthy women, causing inflammation. This review explores VVC epidemiology, host-fungal factors, and new treatments for this common infection.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common infection caused by *Candida albicans* and related species.
- It affects immunocompetent women, primarily during reproductive years, causing significant quality-of-life issues.
- Understanding VVC pathogenesis is crucial due to its high incidence and impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of VVC.
- To cover epidemiology, host response, fungal factors, microbiome impact, and treatment.
- To highlight recent advancements and remaining questions in VVC research.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article.
- It synthesizes existing research on VVC.
- Key areas of focus include epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment.
Main Results:
- VVC is a multifactorial disease impacting healthy women.
- Host and fungal factors are critical in disease development.
- The microbiome plays a role in VVC.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to understand VVC pathogenesis.
- Novel treatment strategies are emerging.
- Addressing knowledge gaps is essential for improved VVC management.
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