Associations with asymptomatic colonization with Candida in women reporting past vaginal candidiasis: an observational study

Abstract

Objective: Asymptomatic vaginal colonization with Candida species is a known risk factor for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Taking known risk factors for symptomatic VVC, the authors sought to identify factors associated with asymptomatic colonization.

Study design: As part of a randomized controlled trial which compared vaginal candidal colony counts in women taking garlic tablets or placebo, 192 asymptomatic women collected a baseline screening swab for Candida species. Eligibility for this study included at least one self-reported episode of VVC in the previous 12 months and age 18-50 years. Known risk factors for VVC were compared in women colonized with candida and those without colonization.

Results: 37% of asymptomatic women who self-reported VVC in the previous 12 months were colonized with vaginal Candida species. Using multivariate analysis, two factors were associated with asymptomatic colonization: a current sexual partner (P=0.02) and being born outside of Australia (P=0.05). Use of oral contraceptives was not statistically significant (P=0.27).

Conclusions: Clinical relevance of asymptomatic colonization with vaginal yeast and its link to episodes of VVC warrants further investigation.

Keywords: Asymptomatic; Australia; Candida; Colonization; Vulvovaginal candidiasis.