Relationship between infectious agents for vulvovaginitis and skin color

Abstract

CONTEXT AND Objective: Many factors influence occurrences of vulvovaginitis. The aims here were to assess skin color and age-related differences in the vaginal flora and occurrences of vulvovaginitis. DESIGN AND SETTING:Cross-sectional study; tertiary referral hospital (Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba). METHODS:Healthy women who underwent routine outpatient gynecological assessments were assessed for vulvovaginitis and vaginal flora and then divided into whites (n = 13,881) and nonwhites (n = 5,295). Statistical analysis was performed using the X 2 test, logistic regression and odds ratios. RESULTS:The vaginal microflora was skin-color dependent, with greater occurrence of clue cells, Trichomonas vaginalis and coccobacilli in nonwhite women (P < 0.0001). Döderlein bacilli and cytolytic flora were more prevalent in white women (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in vulvovaginitis occurrence relating to skin color, which may be associated with variations in vaginal flora.RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Muitos fatores influenciam a ocorrência de vulvovaginites. Os objetivos foram avaliar diferenças relacionadas à cor da pele e idade na flora vaginal e vulvovaginites. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal; hospital de referência terciário (Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba).MÉTODOS: Mulheres saudáveis em atendimento de rotina para exames ginecológicos foram divididas em brancas (n = 13.881) e não brancas (n = 5.295) e avaliadas quanto a vulvovaginites e flora vaginal. Para análise estatística, foram utilizados teste X 2 , regressão logística e odds ratio.RESULTADOS: Microflora vaginal foi dependente da cor da pele, com maior ocorrência de "clue cells", Trichomonas vaginalis e bacilos cocoides em não brancas (P < 0,0001); bacilos de Döderlein e flora citolítica foram mais prevalentes em brancas (P < 0,0001 e P < 0,05, respectivamente CONCLUSÕES: Há diferenças na ocorrência de vulvovaginites relacionadas com a cor da pele, podendo haver associação com variações na flora vaginal.

Gynecological complaints and their associated factors among women in a family health-care clinic

“…Research reported in the literature has demonstrated an association between skin color, pH, and genital infections. [ 13 ] However, the participation of other variables, biological (race/ethnicity and genetic polymorphisms[ 14 ]) or socioeconomic and cultural, such as hygiene, sexual practices, and other activities that could transmit sexual maladies require more investigation. [ 15 16 ]…”

Adhesion and biofilm formation of Candida parapsilosis isolated from vaginal secretions to copper intrauterine devices

“…The normal vaginal microbiota is predominantly comprised of lactobacilli (bacilli Döderlein hosting), which promote the proper acidity of the vaginal environment (~ pH 4.5); this hinders the proliferation of most microorganisms that can eventually be pathogenic. Despite this balance, several factors contribute to the colonization of vagina by Candida species, sometimes favoring the onset of symptoms or the occurrence of asymptomatic infections 1 , 2 .…”

“…It is estimated that vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the second most frequent cause of vaginal symptoms, representing 17 to 39% of the cases, and bacterial vaginosis (BV) corresponding to about 50% 2 . Around 75% of women present with vaginal discomfort at any stage of life, and among these cases, 50% have other episodes of VVC and 5% have recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (CVVR).…”

Probióticos vaginais: uma possibilidade para a saúde da mulher?

“…Na literatura atual, podemos classificar as comunidades vaginais em relação aos grupos étnicos (Tab 1) [21] [22] [44] [51]. A estrutura de microbiota vaginal de ascendência europeia e asiática tende a ser colonizado pelo CSTs I ou III, assim sendo historicamente a microbiota mais "estável", visto que esses Lactobacillos crispatus promova grande síntese de ácido lático e peroxido de oxigênio, deixando o pH da região mais baixo [16] [20] [36] [37] [45] [51].…”