Fortnightly Review: Management of genital candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis affects about 75% of women, 40-50% having recurrent episodes

Pruritus vulvae and vaginal discharge are the cardinal symptoms

Candida albicans accounts for about 90% of infections and C glabrata for 5%

C glabrata infections are often resistant to azoles

Recurrent episodes require clinical examination, culture of swabs, and consideration of underlying disease

Male partners who do not have symptoms need not be examined, have swabs taken for culture, or be treated

Reduction of intestinal colonisation is of no value in preventing recurrence