Colonization of Candida albicans in vagina, rectum, and mouth

To better understand the frequency of appearance, the density of growth, and the most common sites in which female patients harbor Candida albicans, a study was initiated of all patients receiving a pelvic examination for any reason at a solo family practice office. From February 1980 to November 1981, 341 pelvic examinations were accompanied by cultures and colony counts of the vagina, rectum, and mouth. A semiquantitative method adapted to Microstix-Candida (Ames Company) was utilized. Only 39 percent of all examinations had negative cultures in all three sites. Twenty-three percent of the positive cultures for C albicans were found from the vagina, 41 percent from the rectum, and 34 percent from the mouth. Incidence of colonization in any site did not vary significantly from 16 to 75 years of age. Negative rectal colonization was associated with lower vaginal colony counts and less frequent vaginal symptomatology. Relatively high vaginal colony count was associated with symptomatic vaginal candidiasis.