DECREASED BETA-CAROTENE LEVELS IN EXFOLIATED VAGINAL EPITHELIAL-CELLSIN WOMEN WITH VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS

PROBLEM: Women are more susceptible to vaginal candidiasis when the ho st immune response is suppressed. The antioxidant nutrient beta-carote ne is postulated to possess immunoenhancing properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate beta-carotene concentrations in exfolia ted vaginal epithelial (EVE) cells in women with vaginal candidiasis. METHODS: Beta-carotene levels in EVE cells, collected by a saline lava ge technique from 22 women with vaginal candidiasis and 20 normal cont rols, were analyzed. The diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis was establis hed by the presence of pruritus, white cheesy vaginal discharge, and a positive potassium hydroxide preparation. Beta-carotene levels were a ssayed using high pressure liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Vaginal cel l concentrations of beta-carotene were significantly decreased in wome n with vaginal candidiasis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased beta-ca rotene levels, and possibly other antioxidants, may alter the local im mune response resulting in disturbances in the vaginal flora, overgrow th of candida, and the development of vaginal candidiasis.