Growth inhibition of Candida albicans by human vaginal epithelial cells

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common mucosal infection caused by Cand ida species in women of childbearing age. Although acute VVC affects a larg e number of women and is often precipitated by hormonal fluctuations involv ing high estrogen levels, recurrent VVC (RVVC) affects another 5%-10% of wo men without any known predisposing factors. We have recently reported that vaginal epithelial cells from nonhuman primates and mice inhibit the growth of Candida albicans in vitro, which may represent an innate host defense m echanism against C. albicans at the vaginal mucosa. In the present study, w e show that vaginal epithelial cells collected from healthy women with no h istory of VVC also exhibit anti-Candida activity, with no differences in ac tivity at various stages of the menstrual cycle. Women diagnosed with RVVC, on the other hand, have reduced epithelial cell anti-Candida activity. The se results are further evidence that vaginal epithelial cells provide an in nate host resistance mechanism against Candida and that reduced activity ma y contribute to RVVC.