Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: vaginal epithelial cell susceptibility to Candida albicans adherence

The pathogenesis of recurrent and chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis remains obscure. The majority of such patients lack recognized predisposing factors. In an attempt to further clarify host factors that enhance susceptibility to vaginal colonization and infection by candida, the in vitro adherence of Candida albicans to exfoliated vaginal epithelial cells was measured. Comparison of in vitro adherence to vaginal cells obtained from young, healthy volunteers failed to reveal any significant difference in attachment avidity (P greater than .5). Enhanced susceptibility to adherence does not appear to be a factor responsible for recurrent candidal infection.