Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-038X
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 2161-038X
+44 1300 500008
Asa Lindgren
Sweden
Research Article
Self-diagnosis of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis is Poor - A Comparison of Diagnostic Methods Introducing ?-Glucan as a Complement
Author(s): Maria Bullarbo, Bjorn Andersch, Emma Samuelson, Asa Lindgren, Nahid Kondori and Inger Mattsby-BaltzerMaria Bullarbo, Bjorn Andersch, Emma Samuelson, Asa Lindgren, Nahid Kondori and Inger Mattsby-Baltzer
Aim: Self-diagnosis of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) may result in misuse of over-the counter (OTC) antifungals. In this study the accuracy of self-diagnosis, clinical diagnosis, and laboratory diagnostic methods, including vaginal smear microscopy and a new method for the diagnosis of VVC (β-glucan), were compared using positive yeast culture as gold standard for diagnosis of VVC. Methods: Women with self-diagnosed VVC (n=88), intending to buy OTC antifungals, were recruited from pharmacies and health care providers. A clinical examination was performed including vaginal samples for quantitative culturing of yeast, for β-glucan determination and vaginal smear microscopy (VSM). Results: In all symptomatic women, 66% were culture-positive for yeast, 20% had bacterial vaginosis (BV) (12% concurrent with VVC), and 25% were not diagnosable. The sensitivity and specificity for d.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2161-038X.1000202