Torulopsis in gynecology

Abstract

Torulopsis glabrata, a pathogenic yeast, causes a vulvovaginal mycosis in about 10% of all cases, whereas mostly candida albicans is identified. Yeasts of the genus Torulopsis seem to occur especially on healthy women, whereas in cases of the well-known risk factors the growth of Candida albicans is advanced. Torulopsidosis of the vagina commonly takes a mild course. The diagnosis is ensured only in cooperation with special laboratories. However, microscopic traps are absence of pseudomycelia and relatively small buds which contrast with the big buds of candida albicans. Although the clinical course is usually less heavy than in cases of candidosis, a six- to ten-day treatment with local imidazole or Polyene antimycotics is necessary to avoid recurrences. The fact that yeasts of the genus Torulopsis form no pseudomycelia is perhaps an explanation for the mostly mild course of illness on the one hand and for the weak response to cellwall-synthesis blocking antimycotics on the other hand.