The growth-promoting activity of vaginal fluid for Candida albicans (and the problem of enhanced susceptibility to vaginal candidosis).

Fluid aspirated from the vagina of pregnant or non-pregnant women, either normally menstruating or using hormonal contraceptives, proved to be an adequate culture medium for Candida albicans. The growth-promoting activity did not differ between groups. A medical history of vaginal candidosis did not influence this growth-promoting activity. It is concluded that an enhanced susceptibility to this manifestation with C. albicans is not related to this capacity of the fluid contained in the vaginal cavity to serve as a growth-promoting medium.