Pathogenesis of Candida albicans vaginitis

The pathogenesis of Candida albicans vaginitis includes: attachment, germination, protease, and colony conversion. The specific process is as follows:

Attachment

Candida albicans first attaches to vaginal epithelial cells. Since the glycoprotein on the surface of Candida albicans binds to the receptors of the glycoproteins of the host cells, it has adhesion. In addition, hydrophobic force and electrostatic attraction also promote the attachment of Candida albicans. Adhesion is an important link in the mucosal colonization and invasion of Candida albicans. Candida albicans without adhesion ability is not pathogenic.

Germ tube and hyphae formation

After Candida albicans attaches to the epithelial cells of the vaginal mucosa, the fungus buds or forms pseudohyphae. The formation of hyphae is an effective way for Candida albicans to obtain nutrients. The formation of germ tubes increases the ability of Candida albicans to attach to the exfoliated cells of the vaginal or oral epithelium. The formation of germ tubes and mycelium promotes the invasion of the vaginal mucosal epithelium.

Secreted proteases

Candida albicans can secrete a variety of proteolytic enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase, phospholipase and secretory asparagine, which help the germ tubes penetrate into intact mucosal epithelial cells. Patients with acute Candida albicans vaginitis have stronger protein lysis than asymptomatic carriers.

Transformation of colonies

The same strain of Candida albicans can present several colony morphologies under certain conditions, which is a high-frequency heritable phenotypic variation. White colonies are converted into opaque colonies, and their resistance to fungal drugs increases, with new virulence, including increased ability to attach, germinate, produce proteases, and form mycelium.