Cause Of Vaginitis Research Articles

Evaluation of exoenzyme profiles of Candida albicans species isolated from females with vaginal candidiasis.

The three most common causes of vaginitis are bacteria, yeast, and Protozoa. Candida albicans is one of the most common causes of vaginitis and commonly affects millions of females with different signs and symptoms. Secretion of exoenzymes from Candida species plays an important role in virulence and pathogenesis. Increasing our knowledge about the pathogenesis of candidiasis could help to design new anti-Candida drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the phospholipase, esterase, and hemolysin activities of the vaginal Candida isolates and their correlation with the presence of vulvovaginal candidiasis. In total, 119 Candida albicans isolates from vaginal candidiasis were enrolled in the study. Egg yolk agar, Tween 80 opacity medium, and blood agar plate assays were used for the determination of phospholipase, esterase, and hemolytic activities, respectively. Based on the findings, 110 (92.44%) isolates showed phospholipase activity, 93 (78.2%) isolates were esterase producers, and 90 (75.6%) species had hemolytic activity. This study showed that most of the tested isolates had different enzymatic patterns. Discrimination of variations in the production of these exoenzymes among different Candida isolates may depend on Candida spp. pathogenicity and could be responsible for the severity of symptoms among the patients.

Efficacy of single-dose oral secnidazole for the treatment of trichomoniasis in women co-infected with trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis: a post hoc subgroup analysis of phase 3 clinical trial data

ObjectivesBacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis are the most common causes of vaginitis. Both infections are associated with increased risk of acquisition and transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections...

Frequency of vaginitis types based on Pap smear test in patients referred to the gynecology clinic of Shahid Sadoughi hospital in Yazd

Three agents including candida, trichomonas and bacteria, are the main causes of vaginitis. According to studies conducted in Iran and other parts of the world on the increase of vaginal infections, the present study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of vaginitis based on Pap smear in patients referred to the gynecology clinic of Shahid Sadoughi hospital in Yazd, Iran. The sampling method was census and all cases referred to the gynecology clinic of Shahid Sadoughi hospital in Yazd for Pap smear during 2022 were investigated. Finally, the data were entered into SPSS and analyzed. 378 patients (45%) had vaginitis. According to the results of the study, no statistically significant difference was found between the frequency distribution of vaginitis based on age, dyspareunia, frequency of urination, dysuria and education level. The results of the present study showed a high prevalence of bacterial vaginitis compared to other types of vaginitis.

Flavonoid as Anti-Candida Agents

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the second most common cause of vaginitis after bacterial vaginosis with at least 75 – 80% of women have had one episode of VVC in their lifetime. Their prevalent resistance to most commonly used antifungal agents makes their treatment a challenge to physicians. Flavonoids have been shown to possess potent anti-Candida properties which can inhibit the growth and proliferation of Candida species through various mechanisms, including inhibition of fungal cell wall synthesis, disruption of fungal cell membrane integrity, and interference with fungal cell signaling pathways. Their potency makes them potential candidates for the development of antifungal agents for the treatment of candidiasis, alone or in combination with existing antifungal drugs. The review aims to explore the mechanisms by which flavonoids inhibit the growth and proliferation of Candida species, including the inhibition of fungal cell wall synthesis, disruption of fungal cell membrane integrity, and interference with fungal cell signaling pathways.

Differential screening for non-viral sexually transmitted infections by type of vaginitis testing.

Data are lacking on adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention testing guidelines among insured US women presenting with vaginal health complaints; thus, we quantified vaginitis testing frequency and assessed the co-testing rate for causes of vaginitis and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). This was a retrospective analysis of de-identified data from a medical database. Information from women, ages 18-50 years, was obtained from the Truven MarketScan Commercial Database (2012-2017) using Current Procedural Technology codes; chi-square testing was applied to determine co-testing differences for CT/NG based on vaginitis test type. Odds ratios were calculated to determine the association with CT/NG screening across vaginitis testing categories. Approximately 48% of 1,359,289 women received a vaginitis diagnosis that involved a laboratory-based test. Of these women only 34% were co-tested for CT/NG. CT/NG co-testing was highest for those with nucleic acid amplification testing for vaginitis and lowest for those with no vaginitis testing Current Procedural Technology code (respectively, 71% vs 23%, P < 0.0001). The vaginitis nucleic acid amplification test, indicated by CPT code, was associated with statistically significant, higher CT/NG testing rates. Molecular diagnostics may support vaginitis testing in settings that have limited opportunities for microscopy and clinical exams and offer greater opportunity to offer comprehensive women's healthcare that includes testing for chlamydia and/or gonorrhea infections.

Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Appropriateness of Empirical Treatment of Trichomoniasis, Bacterial Vaginosis, and Vulvovaginal Candidiasis among Women with Vaginitis.

Trichomoniasis (TV), bacterial vaginosis (BV), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) are the most common causes of vaginitis. This study investigated the prevalence of these diagnoses, their associated factors, and the appropriateness of the empirical treatment. From March 25, 2019, to June 17, 2022, 429 women with symptoms or signs of vaginitis were enrolled in a hospital in northern Taiwan with 438 episodes of vaginitis. Vaginal swabs were collected for Gram's staining, in vitro cultures for Trichomonas vaginalis, bacteria, and yeasts, and multiplex PCR assay for TV, BV, and VVC. Their empirical treatments were recorded. Factors associated with different etiologies of vaginitis were sought in multivariable logistic regression models. The prevalence of TV, BV, and VVC were 2.1%, 22.8%, and 21.7%, respectively, while coinfections of BV and VVC, TV and BV, TV and VVC, and triple infection occurred in 5.0%, 0.2%, 0.2%, and 0.7%, respectively. Multivariable analyses revealed that having multiple sexual partners was associated with TV and BV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 9.756 and 3.246, respectively), while menopausal women were less likely to have VVC (aOR 0.184). Moreover, dysuria was associated with TV (aOR 4.981), vaginal itch and pelvic pain with VVC (aOR 3.223 and 0.425, respectively), and discharge pH > 4.5 with BV (aOR 1.767). Other clinical symptoms and pelvic examination features had limited value for differential diagnosis. Among the 78 empirical antifungal and metronidazole prescriptions, 55.2% were ineffective or unnecessary. Our study highlights the importance to integrate appropriate diagnostic tools into the clinical care of women with vaginitis. IMPORTANCE Vaginal complaints are widespread among women and are associated with emotional, physical, and economic burdens with challenges in their diagnosis and management. In this survey, we identified that 40% of vaginitis in Taiwan was caused by either trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, or a combination of these infections. Our data suggested that typical physical findings appeared infrequently among women with these infections and their empirical treatments were frequently inappropriate. Our findings highlighted the importance of integrating proper diagnostic tools into clinical practice to improve the diagnosis and management of vaginitis, as recommended by national and international guidelines.

Factors Aff ecting Foam Stability of Clotrimazole Vaginal Foam

Clotrimazole (CLT) is a broad-spectrum antifungal, synthetic imidazole derivative, used for Candida albicans the major cause of vaginitis. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) symptoms can cause discomfort and lower a women’s quality of life. Foams are used to apply formulation without the use of fi ngertips, the more stable the foam the better for coverage of larger surface area. CLT 2% vaginal foam were prepared as an O/W emulsion using Tween 20 and Span 20, Lemon oil, PEG 400, SLS, cetyl alcohol, and the formulas were evaluated for foamability and foam stability, foam density, cycles of freezing and thawing, heating, and cooling, and the impact of the chosen formula on Candida culture are all taken into consideration. The results showed that the CLT prepared successfully as vaginal foam, and the selected formula (F24) considered as the best formula which has good miscibility, texture and acceptable homogeneity, pH (4.8), drug content (97.5%), acceptable foamability and foam stability; foam expansion FE (70%), foam liquid stability (FLS) (40%), foam volume stability FVS (23.5%), gas fraction (GF) (35 mL), acceptable foam density (0.90), good stability at temperature changes, freeze–thaw cycle (pass), heating–cooling cycle (pass) with no phase separation, fast complete drug release (100% in about 40 min), no interaction between the solid components of the formula and acceptable inhibition zone against Candida strains. Finally, we can conclude that formulation of CLT as vaginal foam is an optimum method to improve patients’ compliance and cure the disease with low recurrence possibility due to fast release and long contact time with the aff ected area.

Prevalence of Vaginal Candidiasis among women and Diagnosis of Candida species from vaginal infection in Kirkuk city

Vaginal candidiasis is a common complaint among women of different age groups in any society whether or not they are sexually active. Although it is both treatable and mild, when left untreated, The study was set to detect Candida organisms in women vaginal. A prospective study of women vaginal swabs collected from Gynecological Clinic in Azadi teaching Hospital and some privet clinical in Kirkuk city and a total of two hundred (200) women swab were analysed for microscopy and culture, from May 2014 to April 2015. Data on epidemiologic indices were collected from the patients, using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. fifty- seven positive cultures were obtained, constituting 28.5% (n = 57) in a total of 200 women vaginal samples. A total of 28.5% (n= 57) isolates were detected which comprises four different Candida species, namely Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. kefyre respectively as well as isolated Cryptococcus lorynti with frequency of occurrence of 23%, 2%, 1.5%, o.5% and 1.5% respectively. The isolates were related to age, the age range of 26-35 years had the highest incidence (35%), followed by age range of 36-45 years (29.5%) and 56-88 years had the least (2%) percentage of occurrence. The isolates were also related to used contraceptives, copper-T contraceptives and combined oral contraceptives 41.5% was the most common methods used by recurrent vaginitis patients while the male condom contraceptives users had lower cure (26.5%). The distribution of vaginal candidiasis according antibiotic using was highest in women take antibiotic with 64.4% of the total 200 cases, while the women don’t take antibiotic was recorded lowest occurrence (35.5%). The result shows that Candida species has assumed the role of the most common cause of vaginitis, with Candida albicans as the most prevalent species. vaginal candidiasis was common in the young adults o age range of 26-35 years, contraceptive , broad spectrum antibiotic users ,other diseases and operation .We therefore recommend prevention, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of vaginal candidiasis especially among the risk groups in order to avert its complications.

Survey of healthcare providers' testing practices for vulvovaginal candidiasis and treatment outcomes-United States, 2021.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common infection, and high-quality studies report that misdiagnosis is frequent, with diagnostic testing needed to distinguish it from other causes of vaginitis and avoid inappropriate empiric treatment. However, few recent studies have evaluated U.S. healthcare providers' testing practices for VVC in detail. We evaluated healthcare providers' self-reported testing practices for VVC and treatment outcomes as part of a nationwide online survey in order to identify potential opportunities for improving VVC testing and treatment in the United States. Among 1,503 providers surveyed, 21.3% reported "always" (7.4%) or "usually" (13.9%) ordering diagnostic testing for patients with suspected VVC; this proportion was higher among gynecologists (36.0%) compared with family practitioners (17.8%) and internists (15.8%). Most providers (91.2%) reported that patients' VVC "always" (6.4%) or "usually" (84.9%) responds to initial treatment. Whether the symptom resolution reported in this survey was truly related to VVC is unclear given high rates of misdiagnosis and known widespread empiric prescribing. With only about one-in-five providers reporting usually or always performing diagnostic testing for VVC despite guidelines recommending universal use, research is needed to address barriers to proper testing.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC): A review of the literature

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the second most common cause of vaginitis after bacterial vaginosis. VVC often occurs in women of reproductive age (20-40 years). Risk factors for VVC can be divided into two, such as host factors (pregnancy, hor-mone replacement, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, antibiotics, use of glucocorticoids, genetic influences) and behavioral factors (oral contracep-tives, sexual habits, hygiene, and clothes that are used). To diagnose VVC in a per-son, evaluation from anamnesis and clinical manifestation can be conducted. It can also be confirmed by laboratory examination. The management is based on the clas-sification. Uncomplicated VVC is most effectively treated with topical azoles, but a single dose of fluconazole can also be given orally. Treatment of VVC with compli-cations can be given fluconazole 150 mg for 3 days or topical azole for 7 days. However, when the VVC case that caused by non-albicans Candida not responding to conventional treatment such as antimycotics, the amphotericin B can be given to cure the disease. VVC caused by Candida glabrata can be given topical boric acid or flucytosine. This article consists of several theoretical references that have been viewed to have a better understanding of candidiasis vulvovaginitis.

Microbiological and molecular screening of Candida spp. isolated from genital tract of asymptomatic pregnant women.

Introduction. Candida spp. may cause opportunistic infections called vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which is estimated to be the second most common cause of vaginitis worldwide.Gap Statement. Under various circumstances, VVC could compromise pregnancy outcomes. Emerging data suggests that VVC during pregnancy may be associated with increased risk of complications and congenital cutaneous candidiasis.Aim. To assess the prevalence of Candida spp. in asymptomatic pregnant women and determine the susceptibility of the isolates to antifungal drugs.Methodology. In a prospective cohort, 65 high vaginal swab samples of consented pregnant women. Candida isolates were identified using both microbiological and molecular tools and drug susceptibilities were profiled.Results. The prevalence of VVC among our study participants was 37 %, 24 of the 65 asymptomatic pregnant women show Candida spp. colonization. C. albicans was the most common species 61 %, followed by C. glabrata 39 %. In addition, a significant fraction of the isolated colonies showed resistance to Fluconazole, with a ratio of 63 % for C. albicans isolates and 16 % for Candida glabrata isolates. Moreover, relative quantification of genes related to resistance to fluconazole, CDR1, ERG11 as well as HWP1, showed a significant change compared to controls.Conclusion. Monitoring of vaginal Candida colonization before the third trimester of pregnancy, that could reduce congenital Candida colonization and risk of pregnancy complications.

Kandughna Gana Varti in Vulvo Vaginalcandidiasis - A Case Series

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an infection caused by yeast like micro organisms called candida albicans. It is the second most common cause of vaginitis affecting women of reproductive age group. It is most distressing and irritating to women, hampers their day to day life and makes them irritable, depressed, anxious and disturbs their interpersonal relationships including marital life. In vulvovaginal candidiasis patients complain of vaginal discharge with intense vulvovaginal pruritus. The pruritus is out of proportion to the discharge. The symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis appear similar to the symptoms of Slaishmiki yoni vyapath mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. It is due to the vitiation of Kapha caused by usage of Abishyandi aharas and has symptoms like Pichila yonisrava, Kandu, Alpa vedhana or Avedhana in Yoni. Topical treatments have great importance in the treatment of several gynecological conditions (Yoni vyapaths). Yoni varti or vaginal pessary is used to cleanse the vaginal walls and make the local environment more healthy. It acts directly on the vaginal mucosa and enables easier and target specific action. They are also hygroscopic in property and act in accordance with the drugs they contain. Kandughna gana varti have Tiktha, Kashaya rasa, Laghu, Ruksha guna, Krimighna, Kandughna and Kaphaghna properties and all the ingredients have potent antifungal action also. This facilitates faster absorption of drugs through vaginal mucosa and relieves the symptoms more quickly. A pilot study was conducted in 5 cases to assess the effect of Kandughna gana varti in vulvovaginal candidiasis. It was found to be effective in vaginal discharge and vulvovaginal pruritus.

Vaginal Infection: Review Article

Vaginitis is a disorder characterized regarding to abnormal bad odor vaginal discharge, discomfort , itching, and burning. Bacterial vaginosis, particularly Gardnerella vaginalis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, particularly Candida albicans, and trichomoniasis are the most common causes of vaginitis. When a cause is established, bacterial vaginosis is implicated in 40% to 50% of cases, with vulvovaginal candidiasis accounting for 20% to 25% of cases and trichomoniasis accounting for 15% to 20% of cases. Physical examination , symptoms, , and laboratory testing are used for final identification. Gardnerella vaginalis DNA or vaginal fluid sialidase activity, as well as Gram stain, are now available in newer laboratory assays. A mixture of clinical manifestations, as well as potassium hydroxide microscopy, are used to diagnose vulvovaginal candidiasis. Culture and DNA probe testing are also available. For such diagnosis of trichomoniasis in asymptomatic or high-risk women, molecular approaches (nucleic acid amplification) are indicated. This study aimed to review the most recent knowledge on vaginal infection, with the most common causal agents being bacteria, yeast, and parasites Keywords—component, formatting, style, styling, insert.

Bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomonal vaginitis in reproductive-age women in Yunnan, China: a descriptive study

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors associated with BV(bacterial vaginosis, BV), VVC (vulvovaginal candidiasis, VVC) and TV (trichomonal vaginitis, TV) among non-pregnant women. Among 770 women included in analyses, surveyed using a questionnaire and subsequently diagnosed with BV, VVC and TV via Gram staining and vaginal swab microscopy. Vaginal infections were prevalent in 31.30%, with BV being the most prevalent (21.35%). Single-variable analysis revealed that an age of 20–29 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.24–4.29; p = .007) and lack of education (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28-0.89; p = .018) were significantly associated with BV. However, an age of 30–39 years was significantly associated with VVC (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.03–4.38; p = .038). Multivariable analysis confirmed that miscarriage was an independent predictor of BV and VVC. Miscarriage was significantly associated with the incidence of BV and VVC (OR = 1.680, 95% CI: 1.146–2.462; p = .011 and OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.30–3.20; p = .002, respectively). In conclusion, BV appears to be the predominant cause of vaginitis, risk factors for vaginitis include age and level of education and miscarriage. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Inflammation of the vagina, or vaginitis, is caused by various infectious and non-infectious factors. The most common causes of infectious vaginitis are BV, VVC and TV. Kunming located at the southwestern border of China, However, there is still no systematic research investigating the status of vaginitis infection in Yunnan Province. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of these vaginal infections; BV, VVC, and TV, among women of childbearing age, and to assess the prevalence of vaginal infections and the associated risk factors. What do the results of this study add? In our study we found that vaginal infections were prevalent in 31.30% of reproductive-age women, with BV being the most prevalent (21.35%). We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature because we report that BV appears to be the predominant cause of vaginitis, followed by VVC and TV. Risk factors for vaginitis include age, miscarriage and level of education. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these vaginal infections, BV, VVC and TV, and to assess the prevalence of vaginal infections and the associated risk factors. Health education interventions are recommended to raise women’s awareness of vaginitis and its prevention.

Diagnosis of Gardnerella Vaginalis Isolated from Vaginal Discharge of Women in Babylon Province

Bacterial vaginitis is a prevalent condition that affects women all over the world and is the most common cause of vaginitis that has been recognized. Gardnerella vaginalis was found to be the most often identified pathogen in the vaginal discharge samples taken from patients diagnosed with vaginal infections. Two hundred (100 for Amsel test, 100 for culture) vaginal samples were taken from 100 women (two swaps from each woman) by the gynecologist to study the identification of G. vaginalis by Wet smear, Direct staining, Amsel test, Culture identification, and Molecular identification by 16sRNA. The result of Amsel test presents 10(18%) samples positive to four Amsels criteria and other samples positive to three of Amsel’s criteria from the 56 samples for positive Gardnerella vaginalis samples. The result of culture, biochemical, and Gram stain present the percentage of samples positive for G. vaginalis was 56 (56%). Electrophoresis of the PCR results of G. vaginalis DNA extracted from vaginal samples revealed the presence of a band with a size of 300 base pairs in only 12 of the 56 positive culture samples. As a result, it is imperative that diagnostic techniques for the detection of this illness be improved, particularly in terms of differentiating BV from other potential causes of vaginal infections Keywords: Bacterial vaginitis, Amsel test, Polymerase chain reaction.

Does Trichomoniasis Play Any Role in The Pathogenesis of Cervical Carcinoma?

Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of trichomoniasis, a common cause of vaginitis. Despite being a readily diagnosed and treatable sexually transmitted disease (STD), trichomoniasis is not a reportable infection and its control has received relatively little emphasis from public health STD control programs. It is one of the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infections worldwide. It is associated with potentially serious complications such as preterm birth and human immunodeficiency virus acquisition and transmission. Even though several studies have demonstrated the correlation between cervical cancer and trichomonas vaginalis, the pathophysiology of this relationship is still ambiguous. This review was carried out to determine the relationship between Trichomoniasis and cervical cancer.

Possible misdiagnosis, inappropriate empiric treatment, and opportunities for increased diagnostic testing for patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis-United States, 2018.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common cause of vaginitis, but the national burden is unknown, and clinical diagnosis without diagnostic testing is often inaccurate. We aimed to calculate rates and evaluate diagnosis and treatment practices of VVC and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) in the United States. We used the 2018 IBM® MarketScan® Research Databases, which include health insurance claims data on outpatient visits and prescriptions for >28 million people. We used diagnosis and procedure codes to examine underlying conditions, vaginitis-related symptoms and conditions, diagnostic testing, and antibacterial and antifungal treatment among female patients with VVC. Among 12.3 million female patients in MarketScan, 149,934 (1.2%) had a diagnosis code for VVC; of those, 3.4% had RVVC. The VVC rate was highest in the South census region (14.3 per 1,000 female patients) and lowest in the West (9.9 per 1000). Over 60% of patients with VVC did not have codes for any diagnostic testing, and microscopy was the most common test type performed in 29.5%. Higher rates of diagnostic testing occurred among patients who visited an OB/GYN (53.4%) compared with a family practice or internal medicine provider (24.2%) or other healthcare provider types (31.9%); diagnostic testing rates were lowest in the South (34.0%) and highest in the Midwest (41.0%). Treatments on or in the 7 days after diagnosis included systemic fluconazole (70.0%), topical antifungal medications (19.4%), and systemic antibacterial medications (17.2%). The low frequencies of diagnostic testing for VVC and high rates of antifungal and antibacterial use suggest substantial empiric treatment, including likely overprescribing of antifungal medications and potentially unnecessary antibacterial medications. These findings support a need for improved clinical care for VVC to improve both patient outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship, particularly in the South and among non-OB/GYN providers.

Inadequacies in service delivery for the diagnosis and treatment of vaginitis and vaginosis in Nairobi, Kenya.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a common cause of vaginitis, affects 75% of women in their lifetime. In Kenya, vaginitis/VVC is managed using the vaginal discharge syndrome guidelines. We assessed how frequently healthcare workers consider the diagnosis of vaginitis/VVC in symptomatic women, and adherence to the syndromic guidelines, outpatient records at Nairobi City County health facilities, of non-pregnant symptomatic females aged ≥15years were abstracted. Descriptive statistics were applied, and analysis of determinants of practice determined using multivariable logistic regression models. Of 6,516 patients, 4,236 (65%) (inter-facility range 11-92%) had vaginitis of which 1,554 (37%) were considered VVC (inter-facility range 0-99%). Vaginitis was associated with facility, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.80 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64-4.76) and aOR 0.03 (95% CI 0.02-0.04); and month, aOR 0.33 (95% CI 0.25-0.43). Vaginal examination was in 53% (inter-facility range 0-98%). Adherence to syndromic treatment was 56% (inter-facility range 0-83%), better with older patients (aOR 7.73, 95% CI 3.31-18.07). Vaginitis and VVC are commonly diagnosed in symptomatic patients in Nairobi; adherence to the syndromic guidelines is low and differs across the health facilities. Interventions to improve adherence are needed.

Vaginal Exposure to Candida albicans During Early Gestation Results in Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes via Inhibiting Placental Development.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is considered the second most common cause of vaginitis after bacterial vaginosis and the most common lower genital tract infection during pregnancy. Candida albicans (C. albicans), an opportunistic pathogen, is the major species causing VVC. Recently, increasing researches have shown that lower reproductive tract infection during pregnancy can lead to various adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Hence, we successfully established a mouse model of vaginal C. albicans infection and characterized the adverse pregnancy outcomes. C. albicans infection strikingly increased abortion rate and decreased litter size. Further analysis of placental development demonstrated that placental structure was abnormal, including that the area of spongiotrophoblast (Spo) and labyrinth (Lab) was reduced, and the formation of placental vessel was decreased in Lab zone. Accordingly, the expression of marker genes during placental development was downregulated. Collectively, the above findings revealed that vaginal C. albicans infection during pregnancy can inhibit placental development and ultimately lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study enhances our comprehension of the effect of VVC on pregnancy, and placental dysplasia as a feasible orientation to explore VVC during pregnancy.

Differential Adherence to Clinical Guidelines for Non-Viral Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening by Vaginitis Testing Type

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that symptomatic women be tested for common causes of vaginitis using a laboratory-based test and also be co-screened for sexually transmitted infections. The two most common non-viral sexually transmitted infections (nvSTIs) in the United States are Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and CDC recommends testing for CT and NG using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). The study objective was to (1) quantify the frequency of vaginitis testing and (2) assess the co-screening rate for CT and NG.