Self-diagnosis of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis is Poor - A Comparison of Diagnostic Methods Introducing β-Glucan as a Complement

Abstract

Aim: Self-diagnosis of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) may result in misuse of over-the counter (OTC) antifungals. In this study the accuracy of self-diagnosis, clinical diagnosis, and laboratory diagnostic methods, including vaginal smear microscopy and a new method for the diagnosis of VVC (β-glucan), were compared using positive yeast culture as gold standard for diagnosis of VVC. Methods: Women with self-diagnosed VVC (n=88), intending to buy OTC antifungals, were recruited from pharmacies and health care providers. A clinical examination was performed including vaginal samples for quantitative culturing of yeast, for β-glucan determination and vaginal smear microscopy (VSM). Results: In all symptomatic women, 66% were culture-positive for yeast, 20% had bacterial vaginosis (BV) (12% concurrent with VVC), and 25% were not diagnosable. The sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of VVC were similar for β-glucan (77% and 97%) and VSM (67% and 97%, respectively), while the sensitivity was low for clinical examination (40%). The sensitivity of VVC diagnosed by analysis of β-glucan was equal to gynecological examination combined with VSM. Conclusion: The accuracy of self-diagnosis of VVC is poor. To reduce misdiagnosis women should be offered complementary diagnostic methods. For correct diagnosis analysis of β-glucan or a combination of clinical examination and laboratory VSM is recommended. In cases of therapy resistance vaginal yeast cell culture is recommended. A future rapid bedside test of β-glucan would be useful avoiding misdiagnosis.