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Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a frequent infection of the female genitourinary tract. It is considered the second most common genital infection in women, after bacterial vaginosis. VVC is treated with oral or topical azole derivatives. However, these agents may lead to adverse reactions and their chronic use might lead to resistance to antifungal agents. Given that the ultraviolet A/blue light-emitting diode (LED) is an electromagnetic radiation source with antimicrobial properties, it is hypothesized that this resource may be a non-drug alternative to the treatment of vulvovaginitis. A technical/experimental safety test was conducted to characterize the light source spectrum and temperature generation of the device, followed by a pilot study in a 52year-old patient with a clinical diagnosis of VVC confirmed by culture and examination of fresh vaginal samples, owing to the presence of lumpy vaginal discharge and a complaint of pruritus. The vulva and vagina were exposed to 401 ± 5 nm ultraviolet A/ blue LED irradiation in a single session, divided into two applications. A reassessment was performed 21 days after the treatment. The light-emitting device had a visible spectrum, in the violet and blue ranges, and a maximum temperature increase of 7 °C. During the reassessment, the culture was found to be negative for fungus, and the signs and symptoms of the patient had disappeared. A light-emitting device with a spectrum in the range of 401 ± 5 nm could potentially be an alternative treatment modality for women with VVC, as it led to the resolution of clinical and microbiological problems in our patient.

Introduction:Recurring vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is an infectious disease of the lower genitourinary tract, that occurs at least 4 times per year. Drug treatment can last months and favor the appearance of adverse effects and increase the chances of recurrence. Blue Light Diode (LED) is an electromagnetic spectrum light, with antimicrobial functions. Case Report: A case report was made of a patient with RVVC whose treatment consisted of three sessions of 60-minutes each, of application of blue LED in intervals of 15 days. Evaluation was carried out before, at the end of third application and three months after the last session by means of fungal culture, cervical cytology; analysis of patient´s clinical condition; and measurement of vaginal pH. After the third session, there was a reduction in fungal load and vaginal pH; absence of symptoms (pruritus, burning and dyspareunia) and vulvovaginal edema, but there were no alterations in the cytology and microflora, which remained with inflammatory markers. Three months after the end of the treatment, there was no Candida in vaginal secretion, neither signs nor symptoms of candidiasis, and vaginal pH was normal. As for cytology and microflora, cellular alterations associated with cytolysis and presence of lactobacilli was observed. Conclusion: The blue LED 401±5 nm may be a promising alternative to treat RVVC by eliminating signs and symptoms in women.

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