CANDIDA

Vulvovaginal candidiasis

Candida is a genus of fungi that can cause infections in various parts of the body, but it is particularly well known to the entire female universe for its responsibility in causing vaginal candidiasis, also known as candida vulvovaginitis or vaginal thrush, which affects 75% of women at least once in their lifetime.

Over 28% of adolescent girls who go to an Italian public hospital outpatient clinic for a gynaecological examination have Candida vulvovaginitis (Guaschino et Al, 2008). But it is also a frequent problem in women of other age groups.

Yet Candida is present as a commensal in the microbiota of all women often without causing any discomfort. Unfortunately, however, in some cases Candida evolves from a fungus in the form of a dormant, harmless spores to a hyphal form, which is aggressive and capable of causing sometimes unbearable symptoms such as itching, redness and white discharge often likened to cottage cheese due to its cheesy consistency. In addition to these manifestations, Candida can lead to even more serious ailments and neglecting it is not a good choice.

The first step in one’s personal fight against vulvovaginal candidiasis is to obtain a correct diagnosis from a gynaecology specialist who can specifically treat the problem with a targeted and appropriately dosed antifungal remedy. Self-diagnosis is definitely an enemy of therapeutic success.

After appropriate treatment, it is however important not to let the guard down because Candida is present in everyone and for some women there are more predisposing causes for its evolution from a dormant micro-organism to an opportunistic micro-organism capable of creating a nuisance.

Commonly given indications for the prevention of recurrences of Candida vulvovaginitis include:

Avoid the continuous and indiscriminate use of antibiotics and limit it to the treatment of documented bacterial infections to avoid further disruption of the vaginal microbiota.
Establish together with your doctor the hygiene and dietary rules to be observed in order to improve your quality of life and the management of Candida
seek advice from your gynaecologist regarding the advisability of taking a probiotic

supplement to promote the balance of your vaginal microbiota.

How can Candida be kept at bay?

The role of butyrate in combating Candida infections

Butyrate is an important short-chain fatty acid or SCFA that occurs naturally in the gut because it is produced by certain bacterial species in the colon during the fermentation of certain dietary fibres.

Butyrate has been studied for its potential health benefits, including improved intestinal health, increased energy, reduced inflammation and even its ability to fight Candida infections.

One way in which butyrate can help fight these infections is through its ability to modulate the immune system. In addition, butyrate can act directly on Candida fungi, inhibiting their growth.

Some research has also shown that butyrate can increase the production of antimicrobial substances by cells of the immune system, such as natural killer cells, which can help destroy Candida fungi.

Among the bacterial species known to produce butyrate are Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Clostridum butyricum whose name is due to its peculiarity of producing butyrate in high quantities.

Today, the possibility of taking a dietary supplement containing a special strain of Clostridum butyricum (safe and documented for its beneficial activities) offers us a new tool in combating vaginal Candida infections and its recurrences.

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