Introduction: Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Candida Candida yeasts are present in low numbers on healthy skin in moist areas and are part of the normal flora of the mucous membranes of the respiratory, gastrointestinal and female genital tracts. Overgrowth of Candida species can cause infections. There are over 20 Candida species that can cause such infections in humans, Candida albicans is the most common and causes 80-89% of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) infections in women. Candida glabrata causes the majority of remaining VVC infections. Approximately 75% of women will experience at least one VVC infection in their lifetime and between 40 and 45% will have two or more infections. Infections can occur without any specific precipitating factor, however there are some risk factors which are known to predispose a woman to VVC infections. Known risk factors include;
VVC is uncommon in postmenopausal women, unless they are taking oestrogen therapy. It is also uncommon in prepubertal girls.
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