A 5-year (2000-2004) epidemiological survey of Candida and non-Candida yeast species causing vulvovaginal candidiasis in Graz, Austria

Mycoses. 2006 Nov;49(6):471-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2006.01284.x.

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidasis (VVC) is a common disease. The majority of cases is caused by Candida albicans, but in recent years an increase has been observed in the frequency of non-albicans Candida infections, especially due to C. glabrata and C. tropicalis. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of non-albicans Candida infections in patients suffering from VVC. Therefore, the statistical data of culture-confirmed VVC ascertained at the Institute of Hygiene (Medical University Graz) have been studied. Altogether, 10,463 samples from patients with vulvovaginal complaints were analysed in the years 2000-2004, a number of 3184 proved to be culture-positive for yeast. Candida albicans was the most prevalent cause in 87.9% of all cases. Non-albicans Candida yeast were detected in 12.1%, mainly C. glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. During a 1-year period 185 patients showed more than one episode of VVC. Patients aged 21-40 years were significantly more prone to suffer from VVC compared with other age-related groups.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Austria / epidemiology
  • Candida glabrata / isolation & purification
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / epidemiology*
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / isolation & purification