3022. PCR. Candida albicans (u/g scraping, qualitative determination)

PCR testing for Candida albicans from urogenital swabs is a sensitive method for diagnosing vulvovaginal candidiasis. It allows for detection of the infection even at low levels, as well as in asymptomatic and recurrent cases.

Candida albicans is the main causative agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis, accounting for approximately 90% of all fungal infections of the urogenital tract. Typical symptoms include:

• itching and burning in the vaginal or vulvar area;
• cheesy white discharge;
• pain during intercourse or urination.

Candida is often asymptomatic or manifests in intermittent, recurrent forms, especially after antibiotic therapy, during pregnancy, hormonal changes, or immunosuppression.

Real-time PCR is to:

• detect Candida albicans DNA with high accuracy;
• diagnose infection with minimal amounts of the pathogen, even when microscopy or culture are ineffective;
• establish a diagnosis in cases of chronic, atypical, or latent candidiasis;
• differentiate a fungal infection from bacterial vaginosis or other STIs with similar symptoms.

• Women with symptoms of vaginal candidiasis (itching, burning, abnormal discharge).
• In cases of recurrent infection or resistance to standard therapy.
• In cases of negative microscopy but with complaints.
• Pregnant women – with symptoms or a high risk of infection.
• Before gynecological interventions or pregnancy planning.
• To monitor the effectiveness of treatment in complex clinical cases.

• Scrapes from various sites depending on the test

Women