A rapid method for vaginal Candida albicans detection with germ tube test

Introduction and Objectives: Vaginal candidiasis is a vaginal mycosis infection caused by species of the genus Candida. It is one of the most common vaginal infections in women. As regards germ tube test is the confirmatory test for Candida albicans, therefore, speedy diagnosis and management of candidiasis are crucial for these patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of rapid vaginal yeast detection assay compared with yeast cultures for the diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis.Materials and Methods: Examination was done at the Laboratory of Shahid Akbarabadi Hospital (Tehran, Iran). Twenty-five randomly selected yeast isolates were examined in this study. They were isolated from clinical material received by the general laboratory of the Hospital. A sample of vaginal swab was inoculated in the test tubes containing human plasma and serum. The test tubes were incubated for 2 hours at 37°C (modified Test). During the second experiment, samples of vaginal swab was cultured on chocolate agar medium for germ tube assessment, where they were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours (common Test). Then, each sample examined microscopically (under a magnification of 40x) for the presence/absence of germ tube. Results: Of the 25-specimen isolated from the patients, 10 positive culture samples were obtained. Two patients were positive according to the conventional normal methods. Our new approach also confirmed these results. Conclusion: Given the importance of the rapid diagnosis of vulvovaginal infections, the new method can help in the diagnosis and treatment of infection.

Keywords:

Diagnosis , Candida albicans , Germ Tube