Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(10):634-641
To identify clinical, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics that differentiate cytolytic vaginosis (CV) from vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).
The present cross-sectional study analyzed the vaginal contents of 24 non-pregnant women aged 18 to 42 years who were attended at the Genital Infections Clinic at Centro de Atenção Integral à Saúde da Mulher da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (CAISM-UNICAMP). They were diagnosed either with (CV = 8, VVC = 8) or without vulvovaginitis or vaginal dysbiosis (controls). The socio-demographic, clinical, and gynecological data were obtained from a detailed patient interview. Samples of the vaginal contents were collected for analysis of vaginal pH, gram stain, and specific fungal culture. The Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher exact tests were used to compare the differences between the groups. Odds ratios were used to compare the categorical variables. The significance level was considered at p < 0.05.
Both women with CV and VVC had a lumpy vaginal discharge (p = 0,002) and vaginal hyperemia (p = 0.001), compared with controls. The inflammatory process was more intense in the VVC group (p = 0.001). In the CV group, there was statistical significance for the lactobacillus amount (p = 0.006), vaginal epithelium lysis (p = 0.001), and vaginal pH (p = 0.0002).
Cytolytic vaginosis and VVC diagnoses rarely differ on clinical characteristics but have different laboratorial findings. The present study highlights the importance of conducting an accurate investigation through laboratory tests rather than clinical criteria to avoid misdiagnosis.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(2):58-63
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005000200003
PURPOSE: to evaluate the distribution of yeast species isolated from the vagina in two cities of the South of Brazil and compare the in vitro susceptibility profile of these yeasts against some antifungals, which are used in clinical routine. METHODS: all women attended from January to June 2004 for vaginal routine examinations, independent of being symptomatic or not were included in the study. Only those who presented immunodeficiency like AIDS or any other genital infection were excluded. Samples of vaginal discharge from the women (Jaraguá do Sul - SC (n=130) and Maringá - PR (n=97)) were cultivated. The yeasts were identified and submitted to the susceptibility test against the antifungals fluconazole, nystatin and amphotericin B. RESULTS: the frequency of positive cultures for yeasts was the same in both cities; C. albicans was the most prevalent species (about 24%), but its frequency was different: in SC it corresponded to 77.4% of the yeasts both in symptomatic and asymptomatic women and in PR it was 50.0% with predominance in symptomatic women. We observed high rates of susceptibility to fluconazole and amphotericin B, but 51.1% of the yeasts presented dose-dependent susceptibility (DDS) to nystatin. C. albicans showed a higher tendency to be nystatin resistant (52.8% DDS) than non-albicans species (44.4%). CONCLUSIONS: our data showed geographic differences among the species of yeasts isolated from the vagina and suggest that this fact has clinical relevance considering the differences in susceptibility, especially regarding nystatin, which could be important for the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(1):65-70
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000100010
PURPOSE: to identify risk factors involved in Candida sp vulvovaginitis in an exploratory study using an intentional sample. METHODS: a cross-sectional study with a sample of 135 textile female workers living in Criciúma, South Brazil, between July and September 2002. Oral interview and physical examination were performed by a single gynecologist and vaginal swabs were collected for culture and plated on Sabouraud agar. Epi-Info, version 6.0 was used to analyze the collected data. Prevalence ratios were calculated with a 95% confidence interval. A multivariable analysis of the data by logistic regression and data entry using the SPSS, version 10.0 computer program, was performed. RESULTS: the prevalence of Candida sp vulvovaginitis confirmed by culture in this sample was 19.3%. The prevalence of clinical vulvovaginitis was 17.0% (sensitivity of 38% and specificity of 88%). Significant risk factors for clinically manifest vulvaginitis were the use of hormones and age between 25-34 years and for culture-proven Candida sp vulvovaginitis, regular menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: the overall prevalence of Candida sp vulvovaginitis was 19.3%. A regular menstrual cycle was the main risk factor for Candida sp vulvovaginitis showing the existence of a relationship between menstrual cycle and Candida sp vulvovaginitis. This finding should be better investigated by a cohort study with a larger sample and correlated with blood hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle.