[Genital candidiasis]

Abstract

Genital candidiasis occurs mainly in women referred as vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and occasionally occurs in men as to be called balanitis. VVC is one of the most common causes of infectious vaginitis. Approximately three-quarters of women will experience an episode of VVC at least once in their life and 5-8% of them will have more than four attacks within a year; this condition has been designated as recurrent VVC (RVVC). Causative agent in majority of VVC is Candida albicans, but occasionally VVC is caused by other Candida spp. VVC is not traditionally considered a sexually transmitted disease. On occasion sexual transmission of Candida can occur during vaginal intercourse. Particularly Candida transmission and sexual behaviors are linked to RVVC. Epidemiological evidence suggests that anogenital and, especially, orogenital contact transmits Candida.