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Candida - female genital - Background information
Definition of vulvovaginal candidiasis
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a symptomatic inflammation of the vagina and/or vulva caused by a superficial fungal infection, usually a Candida species, although other yeasts are occasionally implicated.
- Candida albicans accounts for 80–92% of cases.
- C. glabrata is responsible for a further 5%.
- C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, C. kefyr, C. guilliermondii, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae account for most of the remaining cases.
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis is also known as vulvovaginal candidosis, vaginal thrush, monilial thrush, and vaginal yeast infection.
- Candida is considered part of the normal vulvovaginal flora as it is found in about 20–50% of asymptomatic women.
[CDC, 2006]
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