Establishing a correct diagnosis of vulvovaginal infection

Vulvovaginitis is a common problem and a prime reason for physician consultation. The organism most frequently responsible for vulvovaginal infection is Candida albicans, and in a large majority of cases identification of the causative organism and diagnosis are easy to establish. Recurrent or persistent infection, however, presents a perplexing diagnostic problem that usually can be solved with the use of appropriate supportive laboratory tests and awareness of the distinguishing features of the possible etiologic agents. Problems in diagnosis or complications in treatment are usually due to concurrent infection by two or more organisms or to treatment without proper identification of the infectious agents.