Vulvovaginal candidiasis: A review

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a yeast infection that affects a large proportion of childbearing age women. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis remains a common problem affecting women's well-being. Candida spp., especially C. albicans a commensal organism of the vaginal mucosa, is responsible for the pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis. The development of Candida vaginitis involves some breakdown of a balance between an aggressive fungal traits and host active immune surveillance that allows Candida growth and mucosal colonization. Despite a growing list of risk factors, a partial understanding of anti Candida host defense mechanism and Candida virulence factors, pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis continue to elude us. The management of this vaginitis needs a good understanding of its pathogenesis to concept an efficient antifungal treatment and to progress in the generation of new therapeutic strategies. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.