MYCELIAL VAGINAL TEST AND CANDIDA SUSCEPTIBILITY

We have investigated the possibility of vaginal liquids affecting the transition from a yeast form (Y) to a mycelial one (M) in C. albicans and the possible relation to microbial flora, pH and glycogen. The C. albicans Y----M conversion, "mycelial vaginal test", in 250 specimens of vaginal liquid shows a 70% positivity rate against a test Candida strain. Results of the vaginal test are not related to bacteria, flora and pH, but to Candida infection and to glycogen concentration. Using a Y----M good-responder Candida strain in the vaginal test it is possible to have a global index of the factors affecting the Candida filamentation in the host. It can be advisable to utilize the vaginal test as a virulence test for Candida strains and as an indicative test of phenotypic drug resistance.