Managing vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most prevalent infections in women worldwide. Together with its recurrent form (RVVC), it affects millions of women annually, causing significant symptoms and severely impacting quality of life. This review examines the pathophysiology, risk factors, microbiome interactions, clinical manifestations, and challenges in diagnosing and managing VVC, with emphasis on RVVC. While Candida albicans is the primary cause, non-albicans species are increasingly common. Multiple factors contribute to both forms, including hormonal changes, diabetes, antibiotic use, immune dysfunction, and genetics. The vaginal microbiome plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis and preventing Candida overgrowth. Symptoms such as itching, discharge, and soreness overlap with other conditions, complicating the diagnosis. Standard treatment involves topical or systemic antifungals, but recurrence and resistance are frequent. Emerging strategies include novel antifungals, immunomodulators, and vaccines. Future approaches should focus on modulating host and environmental factors to prevent recurrence, reduce resistance, and improve outcomes.
Authors: Rautemaa-Richardson , Riina; id_orcid 0000-0002-1071-6040, Sobel, Jack D., Stone, Neil, De Seta, Francesco, Cassone, Antonio, Vieira-Baptista, Pedro, Comar, Manola, Warris, Adilia, Roselletti, Elena
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7112247236
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: