title: Associations with asymptomatic colonization with Candida in women reporting past vaginal candidiasis: an observational study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Asymptomatic vaginal colonization with Candida species is a known risk factor for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Taking known risk factors for symptomatic VVC, the authors sought to identify factors associated with asymptomatic colonization.
  
  
  METHODS
  As part of a randomized controlled trial which compared vaginal candidal colony counts in women taking garlic tablets or placebo, 192 asymptomatic women collected a baseline screening swab for Candida species. Eligibility for this study included at least one self-reported episode of VVC in the previous 12 months and age 18-50 years. Known risk factors for VVC were compared in women colonized with candida and those without colonization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  37% of asymptomatic women who self-reported VVC in the previous 12 months were colonized with vaginal Candida species. Using multivariate analysis, two factors were associated with asymptomatic colonization: a current sexual partner (P=0.02) and being born outside of Australia (P=0.05). Use of oral contraceptives was not statistically significant (P=0.27).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinical relevance of asymptomatic colonization with vaginal yeast and its link to episodes of VVC warrants further investigation.
authors: Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Australia. cathyw@unimelb.edu.au
authors: Cathy J
authors: CJ
authors: Watson
authors: Christopher K
authors: CK
authors: Fairley
authors: Danilla
authors: D
authors: Grando
authors: Suzanne M
authors: SM
authors: Garland
authors: Stephen P
authors: SP
authors: Myers
authors: Marie
authors: M
authors: Pirotta
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D058345:Asymptomatic Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Asymptomatic; Australia; Candida; Colonization; Vulvovaginal candidiasis