What causes vaginal thrush

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Causes of Vaginal Thrush

Vaginal thrush, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is a common condition that has been extensively studied over the years. The primary cause of this infection is the overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans.

Predominant Cause: Candida Albicans

The main culprit behind vaginal thrush is Candida albicans, a type of yeast that naturally resides in the vaginal flora. Under normal conditions, the growth of Candida is kept in check by the body's immune system and the presence of other microorganisms. However, when the balance of the vaginal environment is disrupted, Candida can proliferate, leading to infection .

Predisposing Factors: Pregnancy and Diabetes

Certain conditions can predispose individuals to vaginal thrush. Pregnancy and diabetes are significant risk factors. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can alter the vaginal environment, making it more conducive to yeast growth. Similarly, diabetes can affect the body's immune response and sugar levels, providing an ideal environment for Candida to thrive .

Incidence in Different Populations

Studies have shown that the incidence of Candida albicans is notably high among pregnant women. Research conducted in Sudan revealed that C. albicans was isolated from 44% of pregnant women compared to 15% of non-pregnant women, indicating a higher susceptibility during pregnancy .

Conclusion

In summary, vaginal thrush is primarily caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans. Factors such as pregnancy and diabetes significantly increase the risk of developing this infection. Understanding these causes can help in the prevention and management of vaginal thrush.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Genital candidosis *

Vaginal thrush is a common and treatable condition, but it is important to recognize the risk factors for developing genital candidosis and to take appropriate measures to prevent infection.

1982·

32citations

·F. C. Odds

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology·

DOI

Pathogenicity of the monilia (Castellani), vaginitis and oral thrush

The monilia (Castellani) group fungi are not pathogenic in the vagina, and vaginal organisms cannot produce oral thrush when inoculated into babies' mouths.

1934·

27citations

·H. Hesseltine et al.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·

DOI

The incidence of yeasts in cases of vaginitis and children with oral thrush in the Sudan

Candida albicans is a common cause of vaginal yeast infections in Sudanese women, with high incidence in both pregnant and non-pregnant groups.

Observational Study

1968·

0citations

·S. Mahgoub

Mycopathologia et mycologia applicata·

DOI

Microbe Profile: Candida albicans: a shape-changing, opportunistic pathogenic fungus of humans.

Candida albicans is a shape-changing, opportunistic pathogenic fungus that can cause serious infections in humans, with some strains resistant to azoles and echinocandins.

Highly Cited

2017·

130citations

·N. Gow et al.

Microbiology·

DOI

Coassociation between Group B Streptococcus and Candida albicans Promotes Interactions with Vaginal Epithelium

Coassociation between Group B Streptococcus and Candida albicans promotes their cocolonization of the vaginal mucosa, potentially increasing the risk of diseases involving both pathogens.

In Vitro StudyRigorous Journal

2018·

33citations

·Grace R Pidwill et al.

Infection and Immunity·

DOI

Th17 cells and IL-17 receptor signaling are essential for mucosal host defense against oral candidiasis

The Th17 lineage, primarily through IL-17, plays a crucial role in oral candidiasis defense through neutrophils and antimicrobial factors, while Th1 cells show low fungal burdens and no overt disease.

Non-RCTAnimal StudyHighly Cited

2009·

1039citations

·H. Conti et al.

The Journal of Experimental Medicine·

DOI

Update on oral candidosis.

Oral candidosis is often caused by the yeast fungus Candida albicans, which can cause oral thrush, a common oral infection, and can be treated with oral antifungal medications.

2003·

14citations

·S. Arkell et al.

Nursing times

Fungal Infection of the Female Genital Tract

Candida albicans may be a contributory or sole pathogen in vulvo-vaginitis, but it often occurs in vaginal secretions without causing signs and symptoms; it is a facultative pathogen.

1955·

2citations

·S. Dawkins et al.

International Journal of Clinical Practice·

DOI

Prevalence and identification of Candida sp. in pregnant women using VITEK-2

Candida sp. is a common causative of vaginal candidiasis in pregnant women, with higher prevalence in those with gestational diabetes and vulvo-vaginal candidiasis.

2017·

1citation

·S. Mishra et al.

International journal of reproduction, contraception, obstetrics and gynecology·

DOI

Topical treatment for vaginal candidiasis (thrush) in pregnancy.

Topical imidazole is more effective than nystatin for treating symptomatic vaginal candidiasis in pregnancy, with treatments lasting for seven days potentially being necessary.

Systematic ReviewHighly Cited

2001·

95citations

·G. Young et al.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·

DOI

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