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The Role of PCR in the Diagnosis of Candida Vulvovaginitis—a New Gold Standard?

  • Genitourinary Infections (J Sobel, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

PCR is recognized as a reliable technique for detection of all types of microorganisms. Being highly objective and reproducible also sensitive and specific, PCR is now widely used for sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis. Potential, however, exists for detecting non-pathogens, and not identifying a pathogenic state decreases specificity or clinical significance. PCR Candida tests of vaginal specimens are now widely available and frequently used offering a modest to moderate increase in sensitivity and are likely to replace traditional culture and DNA homology testing. Nevertheless, there remain considerable gaps in our knowledge regarding the usefulness and applications of these expensive tests.

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Conflict of Interest

Jack Sobel and Robert Akins have no relevant disclosures to report.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA

    J. D. Sobel

  2. Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA

    Robert A. Akins

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  1. J. D. Sobel
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  2. Robert A. Akins
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Correspondence to J. D. Sobel.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Genitourinary Infections

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Sobel, J.D., Akins, R.A. The Role of PCR in the Diagnosis of Candida Vulvovaginitis—a New Gold Standard?. Curr Infect Dis Rep 17, 33 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-015-0488-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-015-0488-3

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