Is endometrial infection with Candida albicans a cause of recurrent vaginal thrush?

Abstract

Objective: It was hypothesised that the endometrium might act as a reservoir for candida, thus infecting the vagina as the endometrium is shed during menstruation.

Design: A prospective study of women with recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidiasis. The endometrium was sampled and cultured for candida species.

Setting: Central London STD clinic.

Subjects: 26 women were enrolled, of whom 20 completed the study.

Results: One patient had a positive endometrial culture for candida species, the isolate being Candida krusei.

Conclusions: The endometrium is not a common resevoir for candida species and therefore, infection at this site is an unlikely cause of recurrent vaginal candidiasis.