Vulvovaginal candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is inflammation of the vulva and vagina associated with overgrowth of Candida fungi, most often Candida albicans. It commonly causes itching, irritation, and discharge.

Candida albicans: Candida albicans is a yeast species that commonly lives on human mucosal surfaces and causes opportunistic infections. It causes most episodes and can shift from yeast cells to invasive filamentous forms.
Vaginal wet mount: A vaginal wet mount is microscopic examination of vaginal fluid mixed with a liquid preparation. It can reveal yeast forms, although a negative result does not exclude infection.
Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is another infectious cause of vaginitis, distinguished by organism and diagnostic testing.
Non-albicans Candida: Non-albicans Candida are Candida species other than Candida albicans that can colonize or infect humans. Some species cause harder-to-treat episodes and respond differently to standard antifungals.
Vaginal microbiota: The vaginal microbiota is the community of microorganisms inhabiting the vagina. Its composition and interactions with Candida shape colonization and infection risk.
Fungal culture: Fungal culture is laboratory growth of fungi from a clinical specimen for identification. Culture helps identify non-albicans species in persistent or recurrent disease.
Vulvar contact dermatitis: Vulvar contact dermatitis is inflammation caused by irritants or allergens contacting vulvar skin. It can mimic candidiasis with itching and redness but is not a fungal infection.
Antifungal resistance: Antifungal resistance is the reduced susceptibility of fungi to medicines that once inhibited or killed them. Resistance can complicate persistent disease, though symptoms may also have nonresistant causes.
Estrogen: Estrogen is a steroid hormone that regulates reproductive tissues and other physiological processes. Estrogen exposure can increase susceptibility by affecting vaginal tissue and Candida growth.
Fluconazole: Fluconazole is an oral triazole antifungal medication that inhibits fungal ergosterol synthesis. It is a common treatment for uncomplicated episodes, but is unsuitable in some circumstances.

Linked from 10 pages