A 34 weeks pregnant female presented with intense itching over vulvar area and a white, cheesy vaginal discharge. On examination, vulvar erythema is noted. Which among the following is the causative organism in this patient?: (A) Epidermophyton, (B) Aspergillus, (C) Candida albicans, (D) Tinea
Answer is C. Candida albicans, the most common Candida species, causes symptomatic vulvovaginitis in approximately 90% of the cases. Clinical infection is associated with a systemic disorder (diabetes mellitus, HIV, obesity), pregnancy, medication (antibiotics, coicosteroids, oral contraceptives), and chronic debilitation. Vulvovaginal candidiasis presents with intense vulvar pruritus; a white, cheesy vaginal discharge; and vulvar erythema. A burning sensation may follow urination, paicularly if there is excoriation of the skin from scratching. The current medical treatment of candidal infection is by imidazoles. Ref: Bornstein J. (2013). Chapter 39. Benign Disorders of the Vulva & Vagina. In A.H. DeCherney, L. Nathan, N. Laufer, A.S. Roman (Eds), CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Obstetrics & Gynecology, 11e.