[Vulvovaginal candidiasis: An old disease with new challenges]

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an old disease that, even in a modern world, continues to have a high incidence. Despite the therapeutic advances, treatments are not always effective, and our understanding of the pathogenesis of this fungal infection is still incomplete. A discussion is presented in this article on the most significant developments related to the fungal virulence factors, the role of the immunological mechanisms involved in the vaginal protection, and the genetic alterations that confer susceptibility to the recurrent form of this mycosis. Current treatments, the use of new agents with antifungal activity, as well as the development of strategies, such as vaccination, are approached in the context of the complex scenario that governs the interactions between Candida and its host.

Keywords: Candida spp.; Candidiasis vulvovaginal; Células epiteliales vaginales; Células inmunes innatas; Factores de virulencia; Innate immune cells; Innate receptors; Receptores innatos; Tratamiento; Treatment; Vaginal epithelial cells; Virulence factors; Vulvovaginal candidiasis.