Candida albicans and other pathogenic vaginal microbes

Candida albicans and other pathogenic vaginal microbes refers to a diverse group of microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and protozoa, that cause infections of the female lower reproductive tract. Candida albicans is the most common cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), characterized by its ability to transition from a commensal yeast to an invasive hyphal form [1]. Other significant pathogens in this category include Gardnerella vaginalis and various anaerobes associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), as well as the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis [2]. These microbes typically cause disease by displacing protective Lactobacillus species, leading to a state of dysbiosis and inflammation [3]. Treatment involves a variety of antimicrobial agents, such as azoles for fungal infections and nitroimidazoles for bacterial or protozoal infections, which target specific metabolic or structural components of the pathogens [4]. Clinical management is often complicated by the formation of biofilms and the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant strains [5].

Other names

Vaginal pathogensVulvovaginal candidiasis pathogensBacterial vaginosis pathogensTrichomonas vaginalisGardnerella vaginalisCandida speciesVaginal microbiotaVaginal dysbiosis pathogens

Antifungal agents like azoles inhibit the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, preventing ergosterol synthesis and disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity [4]. Antibacterial and antiprotozoal agents like nitroimidazoles are reduced within the pathogen to form reactive intermediates that cause DNA strand breakage [2]. Polyene antifungals bind directly to ergosterol in the cell membrane, creating pores that lead to leakage of intracellular contents [1].