Prevalence and Changing Virulence Factors and Biofilm Formation among Non-Albicans Candida Species in Suspected Vulvovaginitis Infections
Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a common gynecological condition predominantly attributed to Candida albicans, frequently affects pregnant women. Non-albicans Candida species (NACs) are increasingly recognized as important etiological agents, potentially contributing to adverse pre...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Pasteur Institute of Iran
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jommid.pasteur.ac.ir/article-1-572-en.html |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a common gynecological
condition predominantly attributed to Candida albicans, frequently affects
pregnant women. Non-albicans Candida species (NACs) are increasingly
recognized as important etiological agents, potentially contributing to
adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and miscarriage. This
study aimed to determine the prevalence of NACs and characterize their
virulence factor profiles, including biofilm formation, in women with
suspected vulvovaginitis, with the goal of informing and optimizing clinical
management strategies for this condition. Methods: Cervicovaginal swabs
were prospectively collected from pregnant women presenting with clinical
signs and symptoms suggestive of vulvovaginitis. Identification of Candida
species was performed using standard mycological techniques, encompassing
microscopic examination, germ tube testing, and carbohydrate assimilation
tests. The assessment of virulence factor production included biofilm
formation, and the enzymatic activities of hemolysin, phospholipase, lipase,
and protease (evaluated via agar diffusion assays). Statistical analyses were
conducted using SPSS software (version 25.0). Results: Among the 370
cervicovaginal swabs collected from women presenting with suspected
vulvovaginitis, Candida species were identified in 123 swabs (33.24%). C.
albicans constituted 53.66% of the isolates, while NACs accounted for the
remaining 46.34%. Within the NACs isolates, Candida tropicalis (49.12%)
and Candida glabrata (28.07%) were the predominant species. Diabetes
mellitus was the most common risk factor identified in women with Candida
infection. Hemolysin production was the most frequently detected virulence
factor among the NACs isolates, observed in 40.9% of these isolates.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the significant prevalence of NACs in
vulvovaginal candidiasis cases, concurrent with the notable presence of
diverse virulence factors. Our findings underscore the importance of routine
mycological investigations for accurate species identification and suggest
that virulence factor profiling may be critical for informing effective
management strategies for VVC, particularly given the observed prevalence
and potential pathogenic implications of the diverse array of virulence factors
among NACs. |
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| ISSN: | 2345-5349 2345-5330 |