Anatomopathological uterine findings of Candida albicans infection in a vulvovaginal model.

Introduction. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common fungal infection that has a significant impact on global public health. Although studies associate VVC with male infertility, its influence on the female reproductive system, particularly uterine involvement, remains unknown.Gap statement. While recent animal studies propose that Candida albicans migration from the vaginal tract to the uterus in VVC could lead to infertility, the underlying histopathological alterations that support this connection are not well understood.Aim. To investigate possible changes in the uterine tissue of BALB/c mice infected experimentally with C. albicans, by analysing the progression and effects of infection on the uterus.Methodology. Female BALB/c mice were divided into two groups (infected and control). Vaginal infection was induced by C. albicans, and vaginal and uterine tissues were collected at different intervals (1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days). Analyses included fungal burden (c.f.u. g-1), histopathology stained with Grocott-Gomori and macroscopic and microscopic evaluation (haematoxylin-eosin staining) of uterine tissue.Results. Vaginal infection was confirmed by a consistent presence of yeast in vaginal tissue. C. albicans migration was observed in the uterus, with a significant increase in fungal burden on day 3, followed by macroscopic alterations such as oedema and hyperaemia. Histologically, inflammatory infiltrates, epithelial necrosis and progressive degeneration were identified until day 7, with signs of resolution by day 10.Conclusion. The results demonstrate that vaginal infection by C. albicans was able to cause significant uterine alterations with self-limiting progression. These findings suggest that VVC may have direct implications for female fertility, warranting future investigations into its influence on infertility cases.