Genital candidiasis is a fungal disease that affects the mucous membrane of the vagina, the vaginal part of the cervix, often extending to the vulva. The most frequent pathogen is Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus of round or elongated shape that forms chains (pseudomycelium). Candida refers to the conditionally pathogenic flora, since they are often saprophytic inmates of the mucous membranes (mouth, intestine, vagina). The main way of transmission - with direct sexual contacts, as reported by the Internet publication for girls and women from 14 to 35 years Pannochka. net Various factors contribute to the development of the disease, reducing the nonspecific resistance of the organism to infection. Often, candidiasis develops against a background of hormonal imbalance, metabolic and vitamin disorders, with chronic genital (chronic salpingo-oophoritis and pr. ) and extragenital (tuberculosis, systemic connective tissue diseases, chronic pathology of the gastrointestinal tract) diseases. A significant role is played by the use of antibiotics, which cause the development of dysbiosis, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, which increase the pathogenicity and reproduction of the fungus. Long-term (over 3 years) use of oral contraceptives can also have an effect on the development of candidiasis. Typically, the emergence of candidiasis in pregnancy, which is associated with a change in the hormonal background, physiological immunodepression and loosening of the vaginal mucosa.

Under favorable conditions, candida acquire the ability to adhere by attaching to the surface layer of the epithelium. Then occurs the introduction and development of inflammation with desquamation of superficial epithelial cells.

Most often this process is limited to the mucosa, but in severe Candida can penetrate deep into the muscle shell, and also cause generalized forms of the disease. The antagonist candida in vivo is the lactobacillus, which produces lactic acid and suppresses the growth of Candida. With the decrease or disappearance of lactobacilli, the fungus begins to develop intensively. Most often, candidiasis affects women of reproductive age, but can develop both in prepubertal and puberty periods, and in post-menopause.

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