Actividad de fosfolipasas y proteasas en aislamientos de especies de Candida colonizadoras y causantes de vulvovaginitis en mujeres gestantes / Phospholipase and proteinase activities of isolatesof colonizing Candida spp. causing vulvovaginitis in pregnant women

Introducción. Las proteasas y las fosfolipasas son factores de virulencia de Candida spp. que cumplen un papel importante en la invasión de los tejidos. Entre los factores relacionados con el huésped, se encuentran algunos asociados con las características ambientales y otros con la colonización. Objetivo. Determinar la actividad de fosfolipasas y proteasas en aislamientos de especies colonizadoras y patógenas de Candida spp., aisladas de mujeres gestantes de Cartagena de Indias. Materiales y métodos. Se determinó la actividad de fosfolipasas y proteasas en 56 aislamientos mediante degradación del sustrato y cálculo del coeficiente de actividad enzimática. Se compararon las actividades de fosfolipasas y proteasas, entre los aislamientos colonizadores y los patógenos. Resultados. La actividad de la fosfolipasa fue "muy alta" (< 0,69) en 34 aislamientos e, igualmente, la de la proteasa en 14. No hubo diferencias significativas al comparar las actividades de las fosfolipasas y de las de las proteasas, entre los aislamientos colonizadores y los patógenos. Conclusiones. La actividad de las fosfolipasas predominó como factor de virulencia en los aislamientos estudiados. No obstante, no se encontró una diferencia significativa entre los grupos de aislamientos colonizadores y los patógenos, en cuanto a las actividades de fosfolipasas y proteasas.

Introduction. Proteases and phospholipases are virulence factors of Candida spp. that play an important role in tissue invasion. Among the factors related to the host some are associated with environmental characteristics and others with Candida colonization. Objectives. To determine phospholipase and protease activities in colonizing and pathogenic strains, isolated from pregnant women in Cartagena de Indias. Materials and methods. Phospholipase and protease activity was determined in 56 isolates, evaluating substrate degradation and calculating the enzyme activity coefficient. Phospholipase and protease activities were compared between colonizing and pathogenic strains. Results. "Very high" (<0.69) phospholipase and protease activity was found in 34 and 14 isolates, respectively. There was no significant difference when comparing phospholipase and protease activities between colonizing and pathogenic isolates. Conclusions. Phospholipase activity predominated as a virulence factor in the studied strains, but no significant difference was found between colonizing and pathogenic strains for phospholipase and protease activities.

Mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction in treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis based on negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) in mice based on the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis. In the experiment, female C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into the following six groups: a blank control group, a VVC model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups(80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1)), and a fluconazole group(20 mg·kg~(-1)). The VVC model was induced in mice except for those in the blank control group by the estrogen dependence method. After modeling, no treatment was carried out in the blank control group. The mice in the high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups were treated with BAEB at 80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1), respectively, and those in the fluconazole group were treated with fluconazole at 20 mg·kg~(-1). The mice in the VVC model group received the same volume of normal saline. The general state and body weight of mice in each group were observed every day, and the morphological changes of Candida albicans in the vaginal lavage of mice were examined by Gram staining. The fungal load in the vaginal lavage of mice was detected by microdilution assay. After the mice were killed, the degree of neutrophil infiltration in the vaginal lavage was detected by Papanicolaou staining. The content of inflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18, and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in the vaginal lavage was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and vaginal histopathology was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The expression and distribution of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry(IHC), and the expression and distribution of pNLRC4 and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were detected by immunofluorescence(IF). The protein expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by Western blot(WB), and the mRNA expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed redness, edema, and white secretions in the vagina. Compared with the VVC model group, the BAEB groups showed improved general state of VVC mice. As revealed by Gram staining, Papanicolaou staining, microdilution assay, and HE staining, compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed a large number of hyphae, neutrophils infiltration, and increased fungal load in the vaginal lavage, destroyed vaginal mucosa, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. BAEB could reduce the transformation of C. albicans from yeast to hyphae. High-dose BAEB could significantly reduce neutrophil infiltration and fungal load. Low-and medium-dose BAEB could reduce the da-mage to the vaginal tissue, while high-dose BAEB could restore the damaged vaginal tissues to normal levels. ELISA results showed that the content of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, and LDH in the VVC model group significantly increased compared with that in the blank control group, and the content of IL-1β, IL-18 and LDH in the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups was significantly reduced compared with that in the VVC model group. WB and qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed reduced protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues of mice and increased protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3. Compared with the VVC model group, the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups showed up-regulated protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues and inhibited protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3 in vaginal tissues. This study indicated that the therapeutic effect of BAEB on VVC mice was presumably related to the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by promoting PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis.

Analysis of pathogens of mucosal candidiasis and their resistance to drugs in a third-grade class-A hospital in Taiyuan, Shanxi / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To analyze types of mucosal candidiasis and drug resistance of relevant pathogens in a dermatology outpatient clinic in Taiyuan.Methods:Clinical data were collected from 172 patients with mucosal candidiasis, who had positive fungal culture results, in the dermatology outpatient clinic of Shanxi Bethune Hospital from 2019 to 2020. Pathogens were identified by a molecular biological approach, and in vitro drug sensitivity test was performed. Results:Among the 172 patients with mucosal candidiasis, 142 (82.6%) had vulvovaginal candidiasis, 24 (14.0%) had candidal balanoposthitis, and 6 (3.5%) had oral candidiasis; 3 patients were aged ≤ 18 years, 155 were aged 19 - 59 years, and 14 were aged ≥ 60 years, and the proportion of patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis significantly differed among the above 3 age groups (2/3, 134/155[86.45%], 6/14, respectively; χ2 = 14.29, P < 0.05) . Molecular biological identification showed that all the 172 isolated strains belonged to the genus Candida, including 165 strains of Candida albicans (95.9%) , 5 strains of Candida glabrata (2.9%) , and 2 strains of Candida parapsilosis (1.2%) ; the sensitivity to common antifungal agents including flucytosine, amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole was 95.9%, 100.0%, 62.2%, 47.1% and 56.4%, respectively. Conclusion:In the dermatology outpatient clinic of Shanxi Bethune Hospital, vulvovaginal candidiasis was the most common type of mucosal candidiasis, and the main pathogen was Candida albicans; the Candida isolates showed high sensitivity to flucytosine and amphotericin B.

Aspectos da abordagem terapêutica sobre candidíase vulvovaginal / Aspects of the therapeutic approach to vulvovaginal candidiasis / Aspectos del abordaje terapéutico de la candidiasis vulvovaginal

A candidíase vulvovaginal, é uma infecção da vulva e vagina causada por vários tipos de Candida spp. Essa patologia afeta 75% de todas as mulheres pelo menos uma vez durante a vida, ocorrendo com mais frequência durante a idade fértil. A transmissão dessa infeção fúngica ocorre por meio de contato com mucosas e secreções em pele de portadores ou doentes, contato sexual, água contaminada e transmissão vertical. Alguns outros sintomas característicos mais vistos em casos de CVV, são lesões brancas, cremosas e planas, sendo mais intensos no período pré-menstrual, quando a acidez vaginal aumenta. numerosos antifúngicos estão disponíveis no mercado, os quais são encontrados para administração oral na forma de comprimidos ou, para uso tópico, na forma de cremes, loções, comprimidos vaginais, supositórios e tampões revestidos. O objetivo geral do trabalho foi analisar através da revisão de literatura, tratamentos convencionais e alternativos para abordagem terapêutica da Candidíase Vulvovaginal contextuando a mesma, utilizando definições, dados epidemiológicos e sua sintomatologia frente à sociedade. O presente trabalho é uma revisão integrativa, que teve a coleta de dados realizada de março de 2021 a outubro de 2021 nas bases de dados Lilacs, Scielo, Google acadêmico, A busca resultou em 902 artigos, dos quais 14 atenderam ao critério de inclusão. A busca por tratamentos frente a candidíase vulvovaginal tem se mostrado ampla de acordo com os artigos selecionadas. Concluímos que a patologia candidíase vulvovaginal, vem apresentando resistência em algumas abordagens terapêuticas, assim como algumas mulheres não aderem há algum tipo de tratamento, devido à falta de conhecimento sobre a patologia.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an infection of the vulva and vagina caused by various types of Candida spp. This condition affects 75% of all women at least once in their lifetime, occurring more frequently during their childbearing years. The transmission of this fungal infection occurs through contact with mucous membranes and secretions on the skin of patients or patients, sexual contact, contaminated water and vertical transmission. Some other characteristic symptoms more seen in cases of VVC are white, creamy and flat lesions, being more intense in the premenstrual period, when the vaginal acidity increases. numerous antifungals are available on the market which are available for oral administration in tablet form or, for topical use, in the form of creams, lotions, vaginal tablets, suppositories and coated tampons. The general objective of the work was to analyze, through a literature review, conventional and alternative treatments for the therapeutic approach of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in its context, using definitions, epidemiological data and its symptoms in society. The present work is an integrative review, which had data collection carried out from March 2021 to October 2021 in the Lilacs, Scielo, Google academic databases. The search resulted in 902 articles, of which 14 met the inclusion criteria. The search for treatments against vulvovaginal candidiasis has been shown to be wide according to the selected articles. We conclude that the vulvovaginal candidiasis pathology has been showing resistance in some therapeutic approaches, as well as some women do not adhere to any type of treatment, due to lack of knowledge about the pathology.

La candidiasis vulvovaginal es una infección de la vulva y la vagina cau- sada por diversos tipos de Candida spp. Esta afección afecta al 75% de las mujeres al menos una vez en la vida, siendo más frecuente durante la edad fértil. La transmisión de esta infección fúngica se produce por contacto con mucosas y secreciones de la piel de pacientes o enfermos, contacto sexual, agua contaminada y transmisión vertical. Otros síntomas característicos más observados en los casos de CVV son las lesiones blancas, cremosas y planas, siendo más intensas en el período premenstrual, cuando aumenta la acidez vaginal. Existen en el mercado numerosos antifúngicos disponibles para adminis- tración oral en forma de comprimidos o, para uso tópico, en forma de cremas, lociones, comprimidos vaginales, supositorios y tampones recubiertos. El objetivo general del tra- bajo fue analizar, a través de una revisión bibliográfica, los tratamientos convencionales y alternativos para el abordaje terapéutico de la Candidiasis Vulvovaginal en su contexto, utilizando definiciones, datos epidemiológicos y su sintomatología en la sociedad. El pre- sente trabajo es una revisión integradora, que tuvo recolección de datos realizada de marzo de 2021 a octubre de 2021 en las bases de datos académicas Lilacs, Scielo, Google. La búsqueda resultó en 902 artículos, de los cuales 14 cumplieron los criterios de inclu- sión. La búsqueda de tratamientos contra la candidiasis vulvovaginal se ha mostrado am- plia según los artículos seleccionados. Concluimos que la patología de la candidiasis vul- vovaginal viene mostrando resistencia en algunos abordajes terapéuticos, así como algu- nas mujeres no se adhieren a ningún tipo de tratamiento, debido al desconocimiento de la patología.

Perfil de resistencia antifúngica en el tratamiento de candidiasis vaginal: Un diagnóstico de agentes etiológicos / Antifungal resistance profile in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis: A diagnosis of etiologic agents

Introducción: En las micosis, la resistencia a los antifúngicos aumenta debido a los diagnósticos y tratamientos incorrectos. Por tanto, se ha sugerido la vigilancia y el seguimiento de las cepas resistentes para garantizar una terapia adecuada. Objetivo: Determinar las especies de Candida y el perfil de resistencia a fluconazol y voriconazol, que presentan los aislados obtenidos de muestras almacenadas durante los meses diciembre 2017 y marzo 2018 de pacientes provenientes del Laboratorio del Hospital Regional "Miguel Ángel Mariscal Llerena" del departamento de Ayacucho, Perú. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal, en el cual se aislaron 110 cepas de Candida sp almacenadas por un período de cuatro meses, y procesadas por métodos estandarizados y aprobados por el Ministerio de Salud (MINSA) y el Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) del Perú relacionados con el diagnóstico de agentes etiológicos de micosis humanas y la sensibilidad antifúngica con los métodos estandarizados de Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). Resultados: Se observó C. albicans en 86,4 % de los aislados seguida por C. glabrata con 9,1 %, C. parapsilosis 2,7 % y 0,9 % de C. tropicalis y C. krusei. El 10,5 % de C. albicans fue resistente al fluconazol y voriconazol con CMI ≥ 128 μg/mL y ≥ 16 μg/mL respectivamente, mientras que 20 % de C. glabrata mostró sensibilidad dosis dependiente y 10 % de resistencia al fluconazol. Conclusiones: Existe una gran variedad de especies de Candida, siendo la C. albicans la más común, seguida por C. glabrata, con un mayor porcentaje de aislamiento en comparación con otras especies. Se puede observar que estas especies poseen grados de vulnerabilidad considerables a la aplicación de fármacos como el fluconazol y voriconazo(AU)

Introduction: In mycoses, resistance to antifungals increases due to incorrect diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, surveillance and monitoring of resistant strains has been suggested to ensure adequate therapy. Objective: To determine the Candida species and the resistance profile to fluconazole and voriconazole presented by the isolates obtained from samples stored during the months of December 2017 and March 2018 from patients coming from the Laboratory of the Regional Hospital "Miguel Ángel Mariscal Llerena" in the department of Ayacucho, Peru. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study in which 110 strains of Candida sp were isolated and stored for a period of four (04) months, and processed by standardized methods approved by the Ministry of Health (MINSA) and the National Institute of Health (INS) of Peru related to the diagnosis of etiological agents of human mycosis and antifungal sensitivity with the standardized methods of the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). Results: C. albicans was observed in 86,4 % of isolates, followed by C. glabrata (9,1 %), C. parapsilosis (2,7 %), and 0,9 % of C. tropicalis and C. krusei; 10,5 % of C. albicans was resistant to fluconazole and voriconazole with MIC ≥ 128 μg/mL and ≥ 16 μg/mL respectively, while 20 % of C. glabrata showed dose dependent sensitivity and 10 % resistance to fluconazole. Conclusions: There is a wide variety of Candida species, with C. albicans being the most common, followed by C. glabrata, with a higher percentage of isolation compared to other species. It can be seen that these species have considerable degrees of vulnerability to the application of drugs such as fluconazole and voriconazole(AU)

Analysis of resistance and sensitivity of 1 200 strains of vulvovaginal candidiasis in China to five common antifungal drugs / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To test the antibiotic susceptibility of vulvovaginal candidiasis pathogenic strains to 5 antifungal drugs commonly used in clinic.Methods:A total of 1 200 vulvovaginal candida patients from 23 gynecological and family planning outpatient departments in China were enrolled. Their vaginal secretions were collected for candida strain isolation and species identification. According to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27-S3, the sensitivity of 1 200 strains to clotrimazole, fluconazole, miconazole, itraconazole and nystatin was tested.Results:(1) The sensitivity and resistance of 1 200 vulvovaginal candidiasis pathogens to 5 antifungal drugs were statistically different ( χ2=3 513.201, P<0.01). (2) All strains had higher sensitivity to nystatin [99.92% (1 199/1 200)], followed by miconazole [92.25% (1 107/1 200)] and clotrimazole [87.17% (1 046/1 200)]. All strains had higher resistance to fluconazole [69.17% (830/1 200)], while itraconazole was 50.83% (610/1 200). (3) There was no significant difference between candida albicans and non-candida albicans in drug sensitivity to nystatin ( P=0.315) and miconazole ( P=0.425). (4) Candida albicans and non-candida albicans showed different sensitivity to clotrimazole, fluconazole and itraconazole, respectively. Compared with non-candida albicans, candida albicans showed higher sensitivity to clotrimazole [susceptibility rate: 73.01% (165/226) vs 90.45% (881/974); P<0.001] and higher resistance to fluconazole [resistance rate: 50.88% (115/226) vs 73.41% (715/974); P<0.001]. Although the drug sensitivity of itraconazole was not high, the susceptibility rate of candida albicans to itraconazole was slightly higher than that of non-candida albicans [37.68% (367/974) vs 23.89% (54/226)], and the drug resistance rate was lower [49.28% (480/974) vs 57.52% (130/226)]. Conclusions:The sensitivity of 1 200 strains of candida to 5 antifungal drugs is significantly different, the sensitivity rate of nystatin, miconazole and clotrimazole are higher, but the resistance rate of fluconazole and itraconazole are higher. The sensitivity of candida albicans and non-candida albicans to the same drug is also significantly different. It is suggested that in clinical diagnosis and treatment, we should pay attention to the identification of candida and drug sensitivity test, so as to select antifungal drugs rationally.

Butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction alleviates vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice by downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome and related signal pathways / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to explore the effect of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) on vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) in mice and to clarify the mechanism from Toll-like receptors(TLRs)/MyD88 and Dectin-1/Syk signal pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome. To be specific, female KM mice were randomized into control group(i.g., normal saline), model group, fluco-nazole group(i.g., 20 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose BAEB groups(i.g., 20, 40, and 80 mg·kg~(-1), respectively). VVC was induced in mice except the control group. After the modeling, administration began and lasted 7 days. The ge-neral conditions and body weight of mice were recorded every day. On the 1 st, 3 rd, 7 th, and 14 th after vaginal infection by Candida albicans, the fungal load in the vaginal lavage fluid of the mice was measured with the plate method, and the morphology of C. albicans in vaginal lavage fluid was observed based on Gram staining. After the mice were killed, vaginal tissues were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) staining for vaginal histopathological analysis. The content of cytokines in vaginal lavage fluid, such as interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), IL-6, and S100 a8, was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and content of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in vaginal tissues by tissue ROS detection kit. The protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, TLR4, and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) in vaginal tissues was detected by Western blot, and the levels and distribution of NLRP3, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, and TLR4 in vaginal tissues were determined with the immunohistochemical method. The results show that BAEB can improve the general conditions of VVC mice, reduce the fungal load and C. albicans hyphae in vaginal secretion, decrease ROS content in vaginal tissues and content of cytokines in vaginal lavage fluid, and down-regulate the expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, TLR4, and NF-κB in vaginal tissues. The above results indicate that BAEB exerts therapeutic effect on VVC mice by down-regulating the key proteins in the TLRs/MyD88 and Dectin-1/Syk signal pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome.

Relationship between sleep quality and risk of complicated vulvovaginal candidiasis in women / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between sleep quality and risk of female complicated vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).Methods:From January 2021 to June 2021, patients in the gynecological clinic of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University were continuously enrolled as the research objects using a cross-sectional survey. A self-made questionnaire was used to collect the age, marital status, education level, family monthly income, place of residence in the past two years, maternity history, number of births, intrauterine device, number of abortions, frequency of sex life, use of contraceptives within two months, use of antibacterial drugs within two weeks. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, Health Questionnaire Somatic Symptom Group Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to collect patients′ anxiety, depression, somatization symptoms, and sleep quality conditions. The total scores of sleep quality and the scores of each dimension were used as observation indicators. Three logistic regression analysis models were constructed to explore the relationship between sleep quality and complicated VVC groups.Results:Patients in the complex VVC group were significantly higher in age, married, middle school education, rural area of residence in the last two years, birth history, number of births ≥3, sexual frequency≥1/week, and no antibiotic use within two weeks compared to those in the control group (all P<0.05). Without adjusting for confounding factors, women with poor subjective sleep quality had a 6.73-fold increased risk ( OR=7.73, 95% CI: 3.22-18.55) of complex VVC compared with those with good subjective sleep quality. After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk was further increased to 9.08 fold ( OR=10.08, 95% CI: 3.47-29.33)(all P<0.05). Compared with women without sleep disorders, women with mild sleep disorders had a 97% increased risk of complex VVC ( OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.15-3.37). After adjusting for confounders, the risk remained 97% higher ( OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.10-3.55)(all P<0.05). Conclusion:Poor subjective sleep quality and mild sleep disorder may be associated with the risk of complex VVC.

Distribution and antifungal susceptibility of Candida species isolated from clinical samples in southern Brazil

Abstract Invasive infections caused by Candida species have been strongly associated with poor prognosis and high resistance rates to some antifungals. This study aimed to identify Candida species isolated from different anatomical sites and to describe their susceptibility profile to antifungals. Ninety-four clinical isolates of Candida were obtained from a Medical Laboratory of Santa Catarina/Brazil. Species identification was performed by MALDI-TOF MS. Susceptibility assays were performed as described by Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) microboth method. Among the analyzed samples, C. albicans was the pathogen most incident (59.9%) followed by C. parapsilosis complex (14.9%), C. glabrata complex (8.5%), and C. tropicalis (6.3%). 37 Candida strains were isolated from vaginal content (39.3%), 21 from the nail (22.4%), 8 from tracheal aspirates (8.5%), and 7 from urine (7.4%). Together, the Candida isolates presented decreased susceptibility to azole drugs, mainly to fluconazole and itraconazole. Amphotericin B showed sensibility in 95.7% of samples analyzed. Previous knowledge about etiology and antifungal susceptibility becomes indispensable to conduct an efficient treatment.

Antifungal activity of linalool against fluconazole-resistant clinical strains of vulvovaginal Candida albicans and its predictive mechanism of action

Candida albicans is the most frequently isolated opportunistic pathogen in the female genital tract, with 92.3% of cases in Brazil associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Linalool is a monoterpene compound from plants of the genera Cinnamomum, Coriandrum, Lavandula, and Citrus that has demonstrated a fungicidal effect on strains of Candida spp., but its mechanism of action is still unknown. For this purpose, broth microdilution techniques were applied, as well as molecular docking in a predictive manner for this mechanism. The main results of this study indicated that the C. albicans strains analyzed were resistant to fluconazole and sensitive to linalool at a dose of 256 µg/mL. Furthermore, the increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of linalool in the presence of sorbitol and ergosterol indicated that this molecule possibly affects the cell wall and plasma membrane integrity of C. albicans. Molecular docking of linalool with proteins that are key in the biosynthesis and maintenance of the cell wall and the fungal plasma membrane integrity demonstrated the possibility of linalool interacting with three important enzymes: 1,3-β-glucan synthase, lanosterol 14α-demethylase, and Δ 14-sterol reductase. In silico analysis showed that this monoterpene has theoretical but significant oral bioavailability, low toxic potential, and high similarity to pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the findings of this study indicated that linalool probably causes damage to the cell wall and plasma membrane of C. albicans, possibly by interaction with important enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of these fungal structures, in addition to presenting low in silico toxic potential.

Effects of oxytocin versus promestriene on genitourinary syndrome: a pilot, prospective, randomized, double-blind study

Abstract Objectives: In this pilot, prospective, randomized, double-blind study, the authors compared the efficacy of oxytocin with promestriene in improving vaginal atrophy of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). Methods: A total of 51 postmenopausal women with symptoms of GSM were evaluated. They were randomized into two groups: oxytocin (25 patients) and promestriene (26 patients) and were evaluated before and after 90 days of treatment; the evaluation was based on the domains of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) (lubrication, satisfaction, and pain during sexual intercourse), clinical visual examination, and vaginal wall thickness. Results: After the use of the medications, both groups showed significant improvement in the three evaluated FSFI domains (p < 0.05) and there was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). On clinical examination, the medications improved all the evaluated parameters but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). The evaluation of the thickness of the vaginal epithelium showed that both treatments led to increase in the vaginal epithelium (p < 0.05); however, the efficacy of promestriene was higher than that of oxytocin (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Both medications were effective, however, studies with larger samples and longer follow-ups are needed to confirm the clinical applicability.

Espécies de Candida causadoras de vulvovaginites e resistência aos antifúngicos utilizados no tratamento / Candida species cause vulvovaginitis and resistance to antifungals used for treatment

Neste estudo foram identificadas espécies de Candida em isolados de secreção vaginal, avaliados os perfis de suscetibilidade in vitro a antifúngicos e correlacionados com os antifúngicos prescritos para pacientes em um serviço de atenção primária. A identificação das espécies pela Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase mostrou que 36,5% dos isolados foram caracterizados como espécie não-C.albicans. Nos testes de sensibilidade a maioria dos isolados foi suscetível a cetoconazol, fluconazol e itraconazol, contudo cerca de 40% e 50% apresentaram resistência ou sensibilidade dose-dependente a miconazol e nistatina, respectivamente. A análise dos fármacos prescritos para as pacientes revelou que 34,2% dos isolados foram considerados resistentes aos agentes utilizados no tratamento. Diversas espécies de Candida podem causar vulvovaginite com variados perfis de suscetibilidade aos antifúngicos comumente utilizados no tratamento. A identificação das espécies de Candida é relevante para o gerenciamento epidemiológico das infecções, além de ser útil, assim como os testes de suscetibilidade, na escolha do tratamento farmacológico mais eficaz para a paciente.

In this study were identified Candida species from vaginal secretion isolates, evaluated their in vitro antifungal susceptibilities, and correlated these features with antifungal agents prescribed for patients assisted in a primary care service. Species identification by Polymerase Chain Reaction showed that 36.5% of isolates were characterized as non-C. albicans species. In antifungal susceptibility tests most isolates were susceptible to ketoconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole, although between 40% and 50% of isolates show resistance or dose-dependent susceptibility to miconazole and nystatin, respectively. Analysis of drugs prescribed to patients revealed that 34.2% of the isolates were considered resistant to agents used in treatment. Several Candida species can cause vulvovaginitis and exhibit different susceptibility profiles to antifungal drugs used in treatment. The identification of Candida species is relevant and useful to the epidemiological management of infections. The antifungal susceptibility test may also be useful for choosing most effective drug treatment for each patient.

Awareness about vulvovaginal aesthetics procedures among medical students and health professionals in saudi arabia

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to explore the opinion and ethical consideration of vulvovaginal aesthetics procedures (VVAPs) among health professionals and medical students in Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a cross-sectional study performed between January 2020 and April 2020. Data was collected through electronic media, WhatsApp, and emails. The results were analyzed by applying the Students t-test, and correlations were considered significant if they presented a p-value<0.05. Results There is significant demand to educate doctors, health professionals, medical students, and gynecologists for the VVAPs to have a solid foundation, justified indications, and knowledge about various aesthetic options. Although female doctors, medical students, young doctors, and gynecologists have more knowledge about VVAPs, all health professionals ought to be aware of recent trends in vulvovaginal aesthetics (VVA). The present analysis determined that VVA should be under the domain of gynecologists, rather than under that of plastic surgeons, general surgeons, and cosmetologists. Themajority of the participants considered that vaginal rejuvenation, "G-spot" augmentation, clitoral surgery, and hymenoplasty are not justifiable on medical grounds. Conclusion The decision to opt for different techniques for vaginal tightening and revitalization should be taken very carefully, utilizing the shared decision-making approach. Ethical aspects and moral considerations are important key factors before embarking in the VVAPs purely for cosmetic reasons. Further research is required to determine the sexual, psychological, and body image outcomes for women who underwent elective VVAPs. Moreover, medical educators must consider VVAPs as part of the undergraduate and postgraduate medical curriculum.

Protocolo Brasileiro para Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis 2020: infecções que causam corrimento vaginal / Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections 2020: infections causing vaginal discharge / Protocolo Brasileño para Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual 2020: infecciones que causan flujo vaginal

O tema corrimento vaginal é um dos capítulos que compõem o Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil em 2020. Tal documento foi elaborado com base em evidências científicas e validado em discussões com especialistas. Neste artigo, são apresentados aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos relacionados às situações de corrimento vaginal, bem como orientações aos gestores e profissionais de saúde na triagem, diagnóstico e tratamento desses agravos, que constituem uma das principais queixas entre mulheres que procuram serviços de saúde e que podem ser causados por fatores infecciosos ou não infecciosos. Além disso, são apresentadas informações sobre estratégias para as ações de vigilância, prevenção e controle, a fim de promover o conhecimento do problema e a oferta de assistência de qualidade e tratamento efetivo.

The topic of vaginal discharge is one of the chapters of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. The chapter has been developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with specialists. This article presents epidemiological and clinical aspects related to vaginal discharge conditions, as well as guidelines for health service managers and health professionals about screening, diagnosing and treating these conditions, which are one of the main complaints among women seeking health services, and which may be caused by infectious or non-infectious factors. In addition, information is presented on strategies for surveillance, prevention and control actions, in order to promote knowledge of the problem and provision of quality care and effective treatment.

El tema del flujo vaginal es uno de los capítulos del Protocolo Clínico y Directrices Terapéuticas para la Atención Integral a las Personas con Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, publicado por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil en 2020. El documento fue desarrollado en base a evidencia científica y validado en discusiones con especialistas. En este artículo se presentan aspectos epidemiológicos y clínicos relacionados a las situaciones de flujo vaginal, así como pautas para gestores y profesionales de la salud en el cribado, diagnóstico y tratamiento de esas complicaciones, que son una de las principales quejas entre las mujeres que buscan servicios de salud y que pueden ser causadas por factores infecciosos o no infecciosos. Además, se presenta información sobre estrategias para acciones de vigilancia, prevención y control, con el fin de promover la comprensión del problema y la oferta de asistencia de calidad y tratamiento eficaz.

Laboratorial aspects of cytolytic vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis as a key for accurate diagnosis: a pilot study / Aspectos laboratoriais da vaginose citolítica e candidíase vulvovaginal como uma chave para o diagnóstico preciso: Um estudo piloto

Abstract Objective To identify clinical, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics that differentiate cytolytic vaginosis (CV) from vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Methods The present cross-sectional study analyzed the vaginal contents of 24 non-pregnant women aged 18 to 42 years who were attended at the Genital Infections Clinic at Centro de Atenção Integral à Saúde da Mulher da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (CAISM-UNICAMP). They were diagnosed either with (CV = 8, VVC = 8) or without vulvovaginitis or vaginal dysbiosis (controls). The socio-demographic, clinical, and gynecological data were obtained from a detailed patient interview. Samples of the vaginal contents were collected for analysis of vaginal pH, gram stain, and specific fungal culture. The Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher exact tests were used to compare the differences between the groups. Odds ratios were used to compare the categorical variables. The significance level was considered at p < 0.05. Results Both women with CV and VVC had a lumpy vaginal discharge (p = 0,002) and vaginal hyperemia (p = 0.001), compared with controls. The inflammatory process was more intense in the VVC group (p = 0.001). In the CV group, there was statistical significance for the lactobacillus amount (p = 0.006), vaginal epithelium lysis (p = 0.001), and vaginal pH (p = 0.0002). Conclusion Cytolytic vaginosis and VVC diagnoses rarely differ on clinical characteristics but have different laboratorial findings. The present study highlights the importance of conducting an accurate investigation through laboratory tests rather than clinical criteria to avoid misdiagnosis.

Resumo Objetivo Identificar características clínicas, microscópicas e bioquímicas que diferenciam a vaginose citolítica (VC) da candidíase vulvovaginal (CVV). Métodos O presente estudo de corte transversal analisou o conteúdo vaginal de 24 mulheres não grávidas, com idades entre 18 e 42 anos, atendidas no ambulatório de Infecções Genitais do Centro de Atenção Integral à Saúde da Mulher da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (CAISM-UNICAMP). Elas foram diagnosticadas com (CV = 8, CVV = 8) ou sem vulvovaginite ou disbiose vaginal (controles = 8). Os dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e ginecológicos foram obtidos em uma entrevista detalhada do paciente. Amostras do conteúdo vaginal foram coletadas para análise do pH vaginal, coloração de Gram e cultura específica de fungos. Os testes exatos de Kruskal-Wallis e Fisher foram utilizados para comparar as diferenças entre os grupos. A razão de chances foi utilizada para comparar as variáveis categóricas. O nível de significância considerado foi de p < 0,05. Resultados As mulheres com VC e CVV apresentaram corrimento vaginal irregular (p = 0,002) e hiperemia vaginal (p = 0,001), em comparação aos controles. O processo inflamatório foi mais intenso no grupo CVV (p = 0,001). No grupo VC, houve significância estatística para a quantidade de lactobacilos (p = 0,006), lise do epitélio vaginal (p = 0,001) e pH vaginal (p = 0,0002). Conclusão Os diagnósticos de VC e CVV raramente diferem nas características clínicas, mas apresentam achados laboratoriais diferentes. O presente estudo destaca a importância de conduzir uma investigação precisa por meio de testes laboratoriais, em vez de critérios apenas clínicos, a fim de evitar erros de diagnóstico.

Síndrome vulvo vaginal gingival / Vulvo vaginal gingival syndrome

RESUMEN El liquen plano es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica mucocutánea, que puedeafectar piel, pelo, uñas y mucosas. La afectación concomitante de la mucosa oral y vaginal, conocida como síndrome vulvovaginal-gingival del liquen plano, es una variante infrecuente y grave del liquen plano caracterizada por erosiones o descamación de las mucosas: vulvar, vaginal ygingivo-oral, con predilección por la formación de cicatrices y estenosis. De curso evolutivo benigno, aunque en ocasiones puede sufrir una degeneración maligna. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de sexo femenino de 68 años con diagnóstico de Síndrome vulvovaginal-gingival.

ABSTRACT Lichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease, which can affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucosa. Concomitant involvement of the oral and vaginal mucosa, known as vulvovaginal-gingival syndrome of lichen planus, is an infrequent and severe variant of lichen planus characterized by erosions or peeling of the mucosa: vulvar, vaginal, and oral gingival, with a predilection for formation of scars and stenosis. Of benign evolutionary course, although sometimes it can suffer a malignant degeneration. We present the case of a 68-year-old female patient diagnosed with vulvovaginal-gingival syndrome.

Infecciones cervicovaginales en exudados vaginales / Cervicovaginal infections in vaginal exudates

Introducción: Se desconocen las características de las infecciones cervicovaginales, diagnosticadas mediante el exudado vaginal, sobre todo en mujeres cubanas de mediana edad. En otras etapas del ciclo vital femenino, sí se han realizado estos estudios. Esta información es importante, fundamentalmente para realizar acciones de promoción de salud. Objetivo: Determinar las características de las infecciones cervicovaginales más frecuentes diagnosticadas mediante el exudado vaginal. Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal en 1118 mujeres. Se recogió la edad (agrupada en 20 - 44 años y 45 y más años), los resultados del exudado vaginal, la percepción de secreción vaginal o la ausencia de esta (asintomáticas) y los microorganismos identificados en el exudado. Resultados: El 49,9 por ciento de exudados vaginales fueron positivos a vaginosis bacteriana, Cándidas albicans, Trichomonas vaginalis y desequilibro en la ecología vaginal. El 45 por ciento de las pacientes no tenían secreción vaginal, es decir, estaban asintomáticas. Conclusión: Las infecciones cervicovaginales se caracterizaron por ser de elevada frecuencia, usualmente asintomáticas, con predominio de vaginosis bacteriana, candidiasis y trichomoniasis(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The characteristics of cervicovaginal infections diagnosed by vaginal exudate are unknown, especially in middle-aged Cuban women. At other stages of the female life cycle, these studies have been done. Due to the importance of this information, to carry out health promotion actions, this research was carried out. Objective: To determine the characteristics of the most frequent cervicovaginal infections diagnosed by vaginal exudate. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1118 women. Age (grouped into 20-44 years and 45 and over), the results of positive vaginal discharge, the perception of presence or not of vaginal discharge (asymptomatic) and the microorganisms identified in the discharge were collected. Results: 49.9 percent of vaginal exudates were positive for bacterial vaginosis, Candidas albicans, Trichomonas vaginalis and imbalance in vaginal ecology. 45 percent of the patients had no vaginal discharge, that is, they were asymptomatic. Conclusion: Cervicovaginal infections were characterized by being of high frequency, usually asymptomatic, with prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis and trichomoniasis(AU)

Fatores associados à presença de Candida spp. em amostras de fluido vaginal de mulheres residentes em comunidades quilombolas / Factors associated with the presence of Candida spp. in vaginal fluid samples from women living in quilombola settlements

RESUMO: Objetivo: Investigar a frequência e fatores associados à detecção de Candida spp. em fluido vaginal de mulheres residentes em uma comunidade quilombola. Materiais e Método: Um estudo transversal foi conduzido com 177 mulheres residentes em uma comunidade quilombola no Nordeste do Brasil. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, hábitos de vida, saúde geral e saúde reprodutiva. O material coletado na região do colo do útero foi submetido a exame citopatológico. Amostras de fluido vaginal foram coletadas para a análise microbiológica. Os testes Qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher e modelos de Re-gressão Logística foram utilizados na análise estatística. Resultados: Foi detectado Candida spp. em 28,9% das amostras. A espécie mais frequente nos casos positivos foi a Candida albicans (49%), seguida da Candida krusei (39,2%). Após o ajustamento, observou-se que mulheres com idade igual ou maior que 50 anos apresentaram maior chance da detecção de Candida spp. no fluido vaginal (OR ajustada = 3,46; IC95% = 1,68-7,12), enquanto as mulheres com queixa de corrimento vaginal apresentaram uma chance menor de detecção de Candida spp. (OR ajustada = 0,29; IC95% = 0,11-0,78). Conclusão: Os achados sugerem uma elevada detecção de Candida spp. no fluido vaginal entre mulheres residentes em comunidades quilombolas, o que sinaliza a necessidade do planejamento de medidas para prevenção e rastreamento de caso de candidíase vulvovaginal neste grupo populacional. Além disso, a presença de Candida spp. foi mais elevada em mulheres a partir da quinta década de vida, menor nas mulheres com queixas de corrimento vaginal. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Objective: Investigate the frequency and factors associated with the detection of Candida spp. in vaginal fluid from women living in a quilombola settlement. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 177 women living in a quilombola settlement in Northeast, Brazil. Socio-demographic data, living habits, general health, and reproductive health were collected. The material collected in the region of the cervix was submitted to cytopathological examination. Vaginal fluid samples were collected for microbiological analysis. Chi-square test, exact Fisher's test, and logistic regression models were used for the statistical analysis. Results: Candida spp. was detected in 28.9% of the samples. The most frequent species in positive cases were Candida albicans (49%), followed by Candida krusei (39.2%). After adjustment, it was observed that women aged over 50 years had a higher chance of detecting Candida spp. in vaginal fluid (OR adjusted = 3.46; 95% CI = 1.68-7.12), while women complaining of vaginal discharge had a lower chance of detecting Candida spp. (OR adjust-ed = 0.29; 95% 95% CI= 0.11-0.78). Conclusion: The findings suggest a high detection of Candida spp. in vaginal fluid among women living in quilombola settlements, which indicates the need for planning measures for prevention and track the cases of vulvovaginal candidiasis in this population group. Besides, the presence of Candida spp. was higher in women from the fifth decade of life, lower in women with complaints of vaginal discharge. (AU)

Identification of various Candida species isolated from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis attending a tertiary care hospital in North India

Background: Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is a condition diagnosed in a large proportion of women presenting with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge. The risk of VVC is high in women with diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, using oral contraceptives or broad-spectrum antibiotics and those having Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection.Objective of the present study was to identify the various species of Candida isolated from patients with Vulvovaginal Candidiasis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was done from January to June 2018. A total of 69 clinically suspected VVC cases were included in the study whose high vaginal swabs were collected and subjected to direct microscopy and cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Creamy white pigmented colonies on SDA were confirmed as Candida by doing Gram抯 staining. Speciation of positive cultures was confirmed by conventional methods like Corn Meal agar culture, Germ tube test (GTT), Candida CHROM Agar Medium (CAM), sugar assimilation and fermentation test.Results: Out of 69 clinically suspected VVC cases included in the study, only 14 cultures were positive for Candida species. All the 14 isolates were found to be Non-albicans Candida (NAC). Most common species isolated were Candida glabrata 7(50%), followed by Candida tropicalis 3(21.4%), Candida lusitaniae 3(21.4%), and Candida parapsilosis 1 (7.1%).Conclusions: Candida albicans was known to be the most common causative agent of VVC as it was isolated in 90% cases. However, this study showed that all isolates from VVC were Non-albicans Candida. Therefore, species identification should be done in all microbiology laboratories for accurate diagnosis of VVC.

Effect of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction on vaginal mucosal neutrophil chemotaxis in vulvovaginal candidiasis mice / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the effects of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) on neutrophil chemotaxis in vaginal mucosa of mice with vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC). Seventy-two SPF female Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, fluconazole group, BAEB low-dose group, middle-dose group and high-dose group. Subcutaneous injection of estradiol benzoate was conducted to induce pseudo-estrus, and then 2×10~6 CFU·mL~(-1)of Candida albicans was inoculated into vaginal lumen, followed by drug treatment for 7 days. Gram staining was used to observe the morphological changes of C. albicans in vagina; vaginal fungal load was detected on agar plate. Histological changes of vaginal tissues in mice were observed by HE staining. Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) levels in mouse lavage fluid were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Neutrophils in vaginal lavage fluid was observed and counted by using Pap smear. The levels of IL-8 and MIP-2 in vaginal mucosa were detected by ELISA. IL-8 and MIP-2 mRNA levels in vaginal mucosa of mice were detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that as compared with the normal group, VVC model group had a large number of hyphae and a high level of fungal loadinvagina. The vaginal mucosa was completely destroyed, the number of neutrophils increased, and the protein and mRNA levels of IL-8 and MIP-2 were up-regulated. After BAEB treatment, the hyphae of the treatment group was decreased, the fungal load was decreased, the impaired mucosa showed different degrees of improvement, the inflammatory factors were decreased to varying degrees, and the protein and mRNA levels of chemokine IL-8 and MIP-2 were down-regulated. In conclusion, BAEB may be used to treat VVC by inhibiting vulvovaginal candidiasis via blocking neutrophils recruitment into vagina.