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Erice E, Mitxelena-Iribarren O, Arana S, Lawrie CH, Mujika M. Efficient enrichment of free target sequences in an integrated microfluidic device for point-of-care detection systems. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2024; 61:102771. [PMID: 38960366 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2024.102771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid biomarker detection has great importance in the diagnosis of disease, the monitoring of disease progression and the classification of patients according to treatment decision making. Nucleic acid biomarkers found in the blood of patients have generated a lot of interest due to the possibility of being detected non-invasively which makes them ideal for monitoring and screening tests and particularly amenable to point-of-care (POC) or self-testing. A major challenge to POC molecular diagnostics is the need to enrich the target to optimise detection. In this work, we describe a microfabricated device for the enrichment of short dsDNA target sequences, which is especially valuable for potential detection methods, as it improves the probability of effectively detecting the target in downstream analyses. The device integrated a heating element and a temperature sensor with a microfluidic chamber to carry out the denaturation of the dsDNA combined with blocking-probes to enrich the target. This procedure was validated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique, labelling DNA with a fluorophore and a quencher. As proof of concept, a 23-mer long dsDNA sequence corresponding to the L858R mutation of the EGFR gene was used. The qualitative results obtained determined that the most optimal blocking rate was obtained with the incorporation of 11/12-mer blocking-probes at a total concentration of 6 μM. This device is a powerful DNA preparation tool, which is an indispensable initial step for subsequent detection of sequences via nucleic acid hybridisation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Erice
- CEIT-Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Manuel Lardizabal 15, 20018 Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain; Universidad de Navarra, Tecnun, Manuel Lardizabal 13, 20018 Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Oihane Mitxelena-Iribarren
- CEIT-Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Manuel Lardizabal 15, 20018 Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain; Universidad de Navarra, Tecnun, Manuel Lardizabal 13, 20018 Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain; Group of Bioengineering in Regeneration and Cancer, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Sergio Arana
- CEIT-Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Manuel Lardizabal 15, 20018 Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain; Universidad de Navarra, Tecnun, Manuel Lardizabal 13, 20018 Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Charles H Lawrie
- Molecular Oncology Group, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain; Sino-Swiss Institute of Advanced Technology (SSIAT), University of Shanghai, Shanghai, China; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maite Mujika
- CEIT-Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Manuel Lardizabal 15, 20018 Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain; Universidad de Navarra, Tecnun, Manuel Lardizabal 13, 20018 Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain
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Mulinganya MG, De Keyser K, Mongane IJ, Kampara MF, De Vulder A, Boelens J, Duyvejonck H, Hendwa E, Kujirakwinja BY, Bisimwa BG, Rodriguez A, Vaneechoutte M, Callens S, Cools P. Second trimester vaginal Candida colonization among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: prevalence, clinical correlates, risk factors and pregnancy outcomes. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1339821. [PMID: 38847001 PMCID: PMC11153668 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1339821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vaginal Candida colonization (CC) can lead to vulvovaginal candidiasis, the second most prevalent vaginal condition worldwide, and has been associated with adverse birth outcomes. However, no data on CC in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are available. We investigated the prevalence, Candida species, clinical correlates, risk factors and pregnancy outcomes in women with CC in the second trimester of pregnancy. Material and methods In Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, pregnant women were recruited during antenatal care between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation from January 2017 to October 2017 and followed until delivery. Sociodemographics, sexual behavioral, hygienic and clinical characteristics, microbiological data and pregnancy outcomes were collected. Candida detection and speciation was performed with microscopy (Gram-stained smears and wet-mount) and/or quantitative PCR. Multivariate regression models were used to estimate the different associations with CC. Results The prevalence of CC by wet mount, microscopy of Gram-stain smears and qPCR was 27.9%, 28.1% and 38.2%, respectively. C. albicans was the most prevalent Candida species (91.0%). Previous genital infections, an intermediate vaginal microbiota, bacterial vaginosis, and the use of pit toilets were risk factors for CC. Clinically, CC was associated with itching only. Women with CC had twice the odds for preterm birth, if Candida concentration was high, the odds were four times higher. Conclusions In Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the prevalence of CC was high and associated with microbiological and modifiable risk factors. Screening and treatment for CC during antenatal care should be investigated as a possible strategy to reduce preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulumeoderhwa Guy Mulinganya
- Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karen De Keyser
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Irenge Jules Mongane
- Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Mirindi Freddy Kampara
- Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Annelies De Vulder
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jerina Boelens
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Duyvejonck
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Erick Hendwa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Bisimwa Yvette Kujirakwinja
- Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Antonio Rodriguez
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mario Vaneechoutte
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Callens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Arrieta-Aguirre I, Menéndez-Manjón P, Carrano G, Diez A, Fernandez-de-Larrinoa Í, Moragues MD. Molecular Identification of Fungal Species through Multiplex-qPCR to Determine Candidal Vulvovaginitis and Antifungal Susceptibility. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1145. [PMID: 38132746 PMCID: PMC10744653 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent condition affecting women worldwide. This study aimed to develop a rapid qPCR assay for the accurate identification of VVC etiological agents and reduced azole susceptibility. One hundred and twenty nine vaginal samples from an outpatient clinic (Bilbao, Spain) were analyzed using culture-based methods and a multiplex qPCR targeting fungal species, which identified Candida albicans as the predominant species (94.2%). Antifungal susceptibility tests revealed reduced azole susceptibility in three (3.48%) isolates. Molecular analysis identified several mutations in genes associated with azole resistance as well as novel mutations in TAC1 and MRR1 genes. In conclusion, we developed a rapid multiplex qPCR assay that detects C. albicans in vulvovaginal specimens and reported new mutations in resistance-related genes that could contribute to azole resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Arrieta-Aguirre
- Department of Nursing I, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain; (P.M.-M.); (M.-D.M.)
| | - Pilar Menéndez-Manjón
- Department of Nursing I, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain; (P.M.-M.); (M.-D.M.)
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain; (G.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Giulia Carrano
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain; (G.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Ander Diez
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain; (G.C.); (A.D.)
| | | | - María-Dolores Moragues
- Department of Nursing I, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain; (P.M.-M.); (M.-D.M.)
- IIS BioCruces Bizkaia, 48903 Barakaldo, Biscay, Spain
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Abstract
Vulvovaginitis, referring to inflammation of the vulva and vagina, is a commonly reported concern among adolescents and young women presenting for gynecologic care. Symptoms of vulvovaginitis may include vaginal discharge, odor, itching, pain, dysuria, skin irritation, burning, and dyspareunia. Vulvovaginitis may result from infectious or non-infectious causes. Bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis represent the three most common infectious causes of vulvovaginitis in adolescents and young adults. Additionally, non-infectious causes such as the presence of a foreign body in the vagina, chemical irritants, douching, and poor hygiene may also lead to symptoms of vulvovaginitis. A thorough history in combination with the appropriate physical examination and laboratory evaluation is necessary to identify the cause of a patient's symptoms. Importantly, adolescent patients should be given the opportunity to speak privately with the provider without a parent or guardian present in the room, particularly when gathering the sexual history. Appropriate anticipatory guidance and counseling should be provided once a diagnosis has been made, and prevention of future episodes of vulvovaginitis should be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalida Itriyeva
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, 410 Lakeville Road, Suite 108, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, United States; Donald and Barbara Zucker, School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States.
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Shi Y, Zhu Y, Fan S, Liu X, Liang Y, Shan Y. Molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility profile of yeast from vulvovaginal candidiasis. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:287. [PMID: 32393342 PMCID: PMC7216708 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-04985-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate identification Candida is important for successful therapy and epidemiology study. The aim of research is to study API 20C yeast identification system identification rate by using molecular identification as gold standard and tested the antifungal susceptibility of Candida from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). METHODS In total, 3574 yeast isolates were obtained from patients with VVC. API 20C yeast identification, molecular identification and in vitro antifungal susceptibility were performed. RESULTS C. albicans was the predominant Candida species [2748 isolates, 76.9%] in VVC. The isolates from vaginal samples represented 22 species based on molecular identification. The API 20C system identifies only 11 of the species encountered during the study period. Based on the API 20C system, 3273 (91.78%) isolates were correctly identified to the species level. The correct identification rate of the API 20C system for rare yeast was 15.29% (26/170 isolates). Antifungal susceptibility was tested in a total of 1844 isolates of Candida from patients with VVC. C. albicans was susceptible to most of the tested antifungals. The MICs of azoles for C. glabrata were higher than those for C. albicans. The MICs of echinocandins for C. parapsilosis were higher than those for C. albicans. CONCLUSIONS The API 20C yeast identification system can be used to reliably identify the most common Candida species while molecular methods are necessary for the identification of closely related, emerging, and rare yeast species. The results from this study suggest that much of the previous studies on the epidemiology of VVC should be re-thought. C. albicans was susceptible to most of the tested antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gynecological Diagnostic Technology Research, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yuxia Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gynecological Diagnostic Technology Research, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Shangrong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China. .,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gynecological Diagnostic Technology Research, Shenzhen, 518036, China. .,Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Xiaoping Liu
- Department of Laboratory Science, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Yiheng Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gynecological Diagnostic Technology Research, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Yingying Shan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gynecological Diagnostic Technology Research, Shenzhen, 518036, China
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Ramírez-Lozada T, Espinosa-Hernández VM, Frías-De-León MG, Martínez-Herrera E. Update of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Pregnant and Non-pregnant Patients. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-019-00357-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Makanjuola O, Bongomin F, Fayemiwo SA. An Update on the Roles of Non- albicans Candida Species in Vulvovaginitis. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:E121. [PMID: 30384449 PMCID: PMC6309050 DOI: 10.3390/jof4040121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida species are one of the commonest causes of vaginitis in healthy women of reproductive age. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is characterized by vulvovaginal itching, redness and discharge. Candida albicans, which is a common genito-urinary tract commensal, has been the prominent species and remains the most common fungal agent isolated from clinical samples of patients diagnosed with VVC. In recent times, however, there has been a notable shift in the etiology of candidiasis with non-albicans Candida (NAC) species gaining prominence. The NAC species now account for approximately 10% to as high as 45% of VVC cases in some studies. This is associated with treatment challenges and a slightly different clinical picture. NAC species vaginitis is milder in presentation, often occur in patients with underlying chronic medical conditions and symptoms tend to be more recurrent or chronic compared with C. albicans vaginitis. C. glabrata is the most common cause of NAC-VVC. C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. guilliermondii are the other commonly implicated species. Treatment failure is common in NAC-VVC, since some of these species are intrinsically resistant or show low susceptibilities to commonly used antifungal agents. This article reviews the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of NAC vulvovaginitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olufunmilola Makanjuola
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria.
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Gulu University, Gulu P.O. Box 166, Uganda.
| | - Samuel A Fayemiwo
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
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Abstract
Vaginal complaints are one of the most common reasons women seek the advice of a health care provider. Uncomplicated infections such as vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis are easy to diagnose and treat. However, about 8% of patients will have a more complicated course with failure to respond to treatment or rapid recurrence of symptoms. Understanding the need for a methodical, diagnostic approach to help these women with recurrent or refractory cases of vaginal symptoms will aid the clinician achieve successful patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjie Brown Mills
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Greenville Health System, University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, 890 West Faris Road, Suite 470, Greenville, SC 29605, USA.
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Cauchie M, Desmet S, Lagrou K. Candida and its dual lifestyle as a commensal and a pathogen. Res Microbiol 2017; 168:802-810. [PMID: 28263903 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Candida spp. are part of the normal vaginal microflora in 20-30% of healthy women. However, if the balance between these yeasts and the host is disturbed, Candida spp. can cause vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), with Candida albicans being the major causative agent. Different studies have been performed in order to better understand Candida's dual lifestyle in the vagina. The potential of C. albicans to switch from the yeast cell morphology to its hyphal form is considered a key element in VVC pathogenesis. Candida spp. also express other virulence factors, such as hydrolytic extracellular enzymes and heat shock proteins and can form biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Cauchie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Stefanie Desmet
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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McCarthy MW, Walsh TJ. PCR methodology and applications for the detection of human fungal pathogens. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2016; 16:1025-36. [PMID: 27484841 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2016.1219253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has emerged as a promising technology for the rapid and reliable detection and identification of medical mycoses. Recent technological advancements - including microarray, multiplex PCR with magnetic resonance, and beacon probes - have mitigated the technical difficulties of performing nucleic amplification in fungi, thereby improving the sensitivity and specificity of PCR-based assays. In this paper, we examine current applications of PCR in the diagnosis of human fungal infections and look ahead to emerging techniques that may play a larger role in molecular diagnostics in the future. AREAS COVERED This review includes a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages of PCR using various clinical specimens, manual versus automated DNA extraction procedures, panfungal versus specific targets, and spectrum of pathogens detected. This is followed by a brief synopsis of species-specific PCR approaches and a more in-depth look at the obstacles to widespread implementation. Expert commentary: The review concludes with a short perspective for the next five years, including the hurdles to standardization and validation, as well as the role of PCR coupled with electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) or nuclear magnetic resonance for the diagnosis of medical mycoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew William McCarthy
- a Hospital Medicine , Joan and Sanford I Weill Medical College of Cornell University Ringgold Standard Institution , New York , NY , USA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- b Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program , Weill Cornell Medical Center , New York , NY , USA
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Sobel JD. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 214:15-21. [PMID: 26164695 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a common cause of significant morbidity in women in all strata of society affecting millions of women worldwide. Previously, RVVC occurrence was limited by onset of menopause but the widespread use of hormone replacement therapy has extended the at-risk period. Candida albicans remains the dominant species responsible for RVVC, however optimal management of RVVC requires species determination and effective treatment measures are best if species-specific. Considerable progress has been made in understanding risk factors that determine susceptibility to RVVC, particularly genetic factors, as well as new insights into normal vaginal defense immune mechanisms and their aberrations in RVVC. While effective control of RVVC is achievable with the use of fluconazole maintenance suppressive therapy, cure of RVVC remains elusive especially in this era of fluconazole drug resistance. Vaccine development remains a critical challenge and need.
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