National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention
Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Program and Training Branch
Candidiasis
Epidemiology
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), commonly called a "yeast" infection, affects most females at least once during their lives. Approximately 50% of these women will experience a recurrence
during their lifetime. Diagnosis and therapy of VVC results in an estimated cost of one billion dollars annually in the United States.
Candidiasis is currently the second most common cause of vaginal infections after bacterial vaginosis. Information on the incidence of VVC is incomplete, since VVC is not reportable.
Most cases of VVC are caused by Candida albicans (85%-90%). C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis are responsible for 5%-10% of cases.
Although most patients have no risk factors, frequent infections may be linked to diabetes, corticosteroids, repeated courses of antibiotics, pregnancy, or HIV disease.
