Performance of a rapid yeast test in detecting Candida spp. in the vagina.
We compared the performance of a rapid vaginal yeast assay (Savvycheck) with that of microscopic examination of a Gram-stained smear and culture of vaginal discharge in detecting Candida spp. Two hundred thirty-one women with vaginal symptoms were studied prospectively. Vaginal specimens obtained from all participants were studied by the Savvycheck rapid yeast test, microscopic evaluation of Gram-stained vaginal smears, and yeast culture. Savvycheck rapid yeast test was positive in 79% of women with positive cultures and in 3.6% of women with negative cultures. The Savvycheck test detected yeasts in 93% of subjects with positive Gram stain and in 5.5% of subjects with negative Gram stain. The Savvycheck rapid yeast test showed 93% sensitivity, 95% specificity, and a 97% negative predictive value compared with the Gram stain. It revealed 79% sensitivity, 96% specificity, and an 87% negative predictive value compared with culture. The Savvycheck rapid yeast test can be used in the busy office instead of microscopy as a point-of-care tool for diagnosing vulvovaginal candidiasis. It can also reduce the need for yeast cultures in patients with vaginitis.
Dan
Michael
M
Infectious Disease Unit, Clinic for Genitourinary Infections, E Wolfson Hospital, Holon, Israel. midan@post.tau.ac.il
Leshem
Yael
Y
Yeshaya
Arie
A
D000328:Adult; D002175:Candida / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009172:Mycology / Q000379:methods*; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology*; D055815:Young Adult