Vaginal candidosis: epidemiological and etiological factors

A review is presented of the emerging problem of candidal colonization rega rding epidemiological and etiological factors. In recent years a change in epidemiological trends has been observed. Vaginal candidosis seems to show a higher frequency to recur and a significant increase in infections caused by non albicans species of candidas has been stated, The three stage mecha nisms of adhesion, blastopore germination and epithelium invasion are empha sized. There is a balance between candidal organisms and vaginal defense fa ctors (lactobacilli, cellular and humoral immunity) controlling and limitin g fungal growth. Vaginitis appears because of an increased number or an enh anced virulence of candidas. In some other patients, a decreased vaginal de fense mechanism is a determinant factor. There are still a number of factor s involved in clinical candidal vulvovaginitis that need to be clarified, ( C) 2000 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. All rights r eserved.