Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: a Dynamic Interkingdom Biofilm Disease of <i>Candida</i> and <i>Lactobacillus</i>
Emily McKloud, Christopher Delaney, Leighann Sherry, Ryan Kean, Shanice Williams, Rebecca Metcalfe, Rachael Thomas, Riina Rautemaa‐Richardson, Konstantinos Gerasimidis, Christopher J. Nile, Craig Williams, Gordon Ramage
Abstract
RVVC is a significant burden, both economically and for women's health, but its prevalence is poorly documented globally due to the levels of self-treatment. Identifying triggers for development and recurrence of VVC and the pathogenesis of the microbes involved could considerably improve prevention and treatment options for women with recurrent, azole-resistant cases. This study therefore aimed to examine the interkingdom dynamics from healthy women and those with RVVC using next-generation sequencing techniques and to further investigate the molecular interactions between C. albicans and L. crispatus in a relevant biofilm coculture system.