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Congresso Brasileiro de Microbiologia 2023
 		Resumo: 312-1

312-1

Vulvovaginal candidiasis and asymptomatic vaginal colonization in women of childbearing age: epidemiology, species distribution of Candida spp. and their biofilm formation pattern

Autores:
Leticia Suzano Bellusci (UNOESTE - Western University of São Paulo) ; Thiago José Neves (UNOESTE - Western University of São Paulo) ; Daniela Vanessa Oliveira (UNOESTE - Western University of São Paulo) ; Valeria Pereira (UNOESTE - Western University of São Paulo) ; Lizziane Kretli Winkelströter (UNOESTE - Western University of São Paulo)

Resumo:
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a disease that affects about 75% of women throughout their lives. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics is associated with changes in the vaginal microbiome, leading to recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. In addition, it is worth mentioning the increased resistance of Candida spp. to the most used antifungals, such as fluconazole. The diagnosis of VVC is usually based on clinical symptoms alone, which are nonspecific. Laboratory tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis of VVC, as symptom-based self-diagnosis has an accuracy rate of only 28% for Candida albicans in women who self-medicate with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungals, often making them ineffective. The objective was to perform the isolation and characterization of Candida spp. from the microbiota of women of childbearing age. Candida spp. was isolated from a sample of vaginal contents from asymptomatic and symptomatic women aged 18 to 55 years during a routine consultation in a gynecological office. Demographic data, laboratory tests, vaginal pH assessment, Nugent score, and Pap smear were collected. The isolates were evaluated for biofilm formation. Statistical analyses considered a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). In total, 101 patients met the criteria and participated in the research. Approximately 27% of the samples of vaginal secretion demonstrated the presence of Candida spp. Candida albicans was the most common species isolated in symptomatic patients (100%), however, non-albicans Candida species such as Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei were isolated from asymptomatic patients. Recurrent candidiasis and pH contributed to the presence of Candida spp. in the samples (p<0.05), while age and altered microbiota were relevant in the development of vulvovaginal candidiasis (p<0.05). About 97% of them were able to form biofilms. Candida spp. composes the microbiota of symptomatic and asymptomatic women of childbearing age, and its characterization brings benefits regarding the pathogenesis of the disease and the development of treatment strategies. The culture method remains the best way to indicate the presence of Candida spp. in the vaginal microbiota.

Palavras-chave:
 Candidiasis, Vulvovaginitis, Candida albicans, Biofilms