Semen supports growth of Candida albicans: A putative risk factor for recurrence of vulvovaginal infections?

AIM: Vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) is the second most common vaginal infection (20-25%), and about 90% of all VVC cases are caused by Candida albicans. Unprotected sexual intercourse has been implicated as one of the risk factors that lead to an outbreak of VVC. To further investigate the relevance of this particular risk factor, in this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of human semen in the promotion of the growth of C. albicans.

METHODS

The disposable amount of 41 samples of semen obtained from infertility patients were included in this study, with informed consent. The spermogram and physical characteristics of the samples were performed at the Unit; this information was provided with the anonymity of the samples. Samples were inoculated with a calibrated suspension of C. albicans ATCC 10231 in culture media. After the incubation time, C. albicans CFU/mL was determined.

RESULTS

We found that semen allowed the growth of C. albicans (4.30 ± 1.00 CFU/mL), but not as much as the culture medium (9.45 ± 1.90 CFU/mL). Interestingly, we found that the increase in viscosity impaired significantly C. albicans growth. In addition, in what respects to the rate of multiplication of C. albicans in semen, we observed two different trends. However, we found no relation between these and the physical characteristics of the semen samples in which these behaviors were differently observed.

CONCLUSION

Semen has the ability to sustain C. albicans growth, but further studies are needed to elucidate its role in VVC.