[Vaginal candidiasis--treatment protocols using miconazole and fluconazole]

Abstract

The incidence of fungal infections is growing in the last 20 years. The epidemiological studies show that 45% of all vaginal infections are caused by Candida albicans or other Candida species. 7 out of 10 women suffer from yeast infection at least once in a lifetime and 4 out of 10 have multiple recurrences. 20-55% of women have asyptomatic vaginal colonization with Candida species. It is strongly believed that fungal infection is not sexually transmitted disease. The route of transmission is oral and it is estrogene dependant. The diagnosis is based on macroscopic, microscopic examination (KOH preparation), culture and rarely Pap test. Treatment of vaginal candidiosis is based on two principles: elimination of predisposing factors antifungal treatment Local treatment is the first line of choice in cases of acute vaginal yeast infection with 84-90% success rate. There are a variety of local preparations on our market including Nizoral, Clotrimazole, Canesten, Gyno-Daktarine, Gyno-Pevaryl, Miconazole. Different groups of broad spectrum oral antimycotics are also used including Nystatine, Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Fluconazole (Diflucan, Fungolon, Mycosyst), itraconazole (Orungal). The treatment of chronic, recurrent and resistant forms of vaginal candidosis is carried out with prolonged local and/or systemic therapy for a period of at least 6 months. Different regimes of therapy are proposed. Fluconazole is an oral drug of choice for continuous treatment of vaginal yeast infection with the least toxicity.