Vaginal yeast colonisation: From a potential harmless condition to clinical implications and management approaches—A literature review

Abstract

Summary Vaginal yeast colonisation is a common clinical condition in premenopausal women. The potential pathogenicity and the circumstances under which it could evolve into infection are not fully clarified. Extensive review the literature regarding the definition of the vaginal yeast colonisation, its demographic features and causes as well as the risk factors favouring infection along with the necessity of treatment. Databases, namely PubMed‐MEDLINE, Google Scholar, the University College London databases, e‐journals, e‐books and official Health Organisations websites were extensively searched in English, French, German and Greek language with no restriction in the type of publications during the last thirty years. In healthy women, vaginal yeast colonisation is an asymptomatic state with Candida albicans being the most prevalent species. Pregnant, HIV‐positive and diabetic hosts are at higher risk. Other risk factors include oral contraceptives, hormonal replacement therapy and previous antibiotic use. Colonisation does not necessitate therapeutic intervention when asymptomatic. Prophylactic therapy during the third trimester of pregnancy is often recommended for reducing the risk of neonatal candidiasis. The distinction between commensalism and vaginitis is often complicated. Clinicians should be aware of the clinical context in order to decide the indicated therapeutic approach.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis and current perspectives: new risk factors and laboratory diagnosis by using MALDI TOF for identifying species in primary infection and recurrence

“…With respect to VVC-related risk factors, those frequently described in previous studies, such as oral contraceptive use, condoms, vaginal douche, and daily panty liners [4,6,58], were evaluated and, as well, those mentioned less frequently (respiratory and skin allergies) [10]. In addition to these risk factors already described, the study presented two new factors still little explored, namely the frequency of milk and dairy products, and changes in bowel habits.…”

Promising Drug Delivery Approaches to Treat Microbial Infections in the Vagina: A Recent Update

“…The high occurrence has been related to a patient's sexual and hygienic habits, the use of hormones and antibiotics, pregnancy, and immunosuppression. Symptoms of VVC include abnormal vaginal discharge, dysuria, dyspareunia, and vaginal soreness [31,34]. Moreover, the management of VVC is mainly indicated for women with symptomatic infection.…”

“…Moreover, the management of VVC is mainly indicated for women with symptomatic infection. Most of the patients respond favourably to oral and topical azole therapies such as fluconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, tioconazole, butoconazole and terconazole [32,[34][35][36].…”

Aspek Klinis dan Diagnosis Kandidiasis Vulvovaginal

“…Beberapa laporan menyebutkan frekuensi hubungan seksual, sering melahirkan juga mempengaruhi insiden penyakit ini. 3 Faktor lain yang diduga sebagai predisposisi adalah pemakaian pakaian ketat dan pakaian dalam berbahan sintetis. Beberapa laporan menyatakan terdapat hubungan KVV dengan peningkatan transmisi dan penyebaran HIV.…”

“…4,5 Secara laboratoris, seorang wanita dikatakan memiliki gejala klinis kandidiasis vulvovaginal bila hitung jamur vagina lebih dari 103 CFU/ml dari cairan vagina. 3 Gejala secara umum adalah gatal, rasa terbakar, rasa sakit, vaginal discharge abnormal dan dispareunia. 6,7 Tujuan penulisan ini adalah membahas penyebab, faktor risiko, gejala klinis dan penegakan diagnosis kandidiasis vulvovaginal.…”