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Microbial flora associated with Candida albicans vulvovaginitis
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 1, 1980
Summary
The study found that when Candida albicans is absent, other microorganisms, especially gram-negative bacteria, significantly increase in vaginal samples. This suggests polymicrobial vaginitis may be more common than previously thought.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candida albicans is a common cause of vulvovaginitis.
- The role of other microorganisms in the vaginal microflora during C. albicans infection is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between vaginal microflora and Candida albicans vulvovaginitis.
- To determine the frequency of polymicrobial infections in vaginal samples.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 340 vaginal specimens.
- Microbiological culturing and identification of microorganisms.
- Comparison of microbial isolates in the presence and absence of C. albicans.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in overall microbial isolates (168%) was observed in samples lacking C. albicans.
- Gram-negative bacteria showed a particularly high increase (226%) in the absence of C. albicans.
- A high frequency of polymicrobial vaginitis was noted, with a probable significant role for anaerobic microorganisms.
Conclusions:
- The absence of Candida albicans is associated with a substantial increase in other vaginal microorganisms, including gram-negative bacteria.
- Polymicrobial infections are frequent in vaginitis, highlighting the importance of anaerobic microorganisms.
- Further research into the pathogenesis of C. albicans infection is warranted.