Association between atopy and recurrent vaginal candidiasis
To determine whether there is an association between atopy and recurrent vaginal candidiasis (RVC) and to evaluate the type‐2 immune response in patients with RVC. Evaluation of immediate hypersensitivity skin tests to aeroallergens, measurement of total IgE and Candida albicans specific IgE and levels of IL‐5 in 44 women with RVC and 26 with sporadic vaginal candidiasis (SVC). Statistical analyses were performed by Mann–Whitney test and χ2 test with Yates correction. History of atopy (68%) and positive skin test (42%) were higher (P < 0·05) in RVC than in patients with SVC. No significant difference was found in total IgE, C. albicans specific IgE and IL‐5 levels. There was a strong association between atopy and RVC, but type‐2 immune response to C. albicans antigen was absent or similar in the two groups of patients.