Vulvovaginal Candidiasis During Pregnancy: An Integrated Analysis of Hormonal and Immunological Interplay

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the combined immunological and hormonal alterations associated with pregnancyassociated vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

Study Design: A case control study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the College of Health and Medical Technology, Middle Technical University, from April to September 2025.

Methods: From each participant, blood and vaginal swab samples were collected prior analysis, involving 90 pregnant women, including 47 patients diagnosed with VVC and 43 healthy controls. Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and CHROMagar Candida media were used for fungal cultivation for the detection of Candida. Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, IL-10, and cortisol.

Results: The findings showed that significant differences were observed between patients and controls (p < 0.001), with patients showing considerably higher levels of cortisol and IL-10 along with reduced levels of progesterone and estradiol.

Conclusion: Overall, the current study suggests that VVC in pregnant women is associated with hormonal disturbance, immunological dysregulation, and neuroendocrine alteration. This study highlights the combined role of immunological and hormonal factors in the pathogenesis of VVC.