Abordagens terapêuticas da Candida albicans vulvovaginal: avanços em novas estratégias de tratamento

Abstract

Candidiasis, especially caused by Candida albicans, is a serious public health problem due to its high prevalence, broad clinical spectrum, and increasing antifungal resistance. Among its manifestations, Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) stands out, commonly affecting women between 20 and 50 years old, and can present in acute and chronic forms. Its chronic or recurrent form is defined as the occurrence of three or more symptomatic episodes within a 12-month period, characterized by a persistent and repetitive condition, and is usually associated with predisposing and exogenous factors. Currently, the pharmacotherapeutic treatment for this infection is based on the use of azoles, especially fluconazole; however, the increase in resistance to this class reinforces the need to investigate new therapeutic approaches. Therefore, the present study aimed to conduct a critical analysis of therapeutic approaches used in the last five years (2020–2025), using articles extracted from databases such as: PubMed, Science Direct, Lilacs, and Capes Periodicals, from which 15 articles were selected to compose the results. The analyzed studies include the drugs ibrexafungerp and oteseconazole, the use of probiotics (Lactobacillus gasseri, L. rhamnosus, and L. crispatus), Photodynamic Therapy, blue light (LED), in addition to herbal options (Berberine, Propolis, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Azadirachta indica, and Catharanthus roseus). These strategies demonstrate better anti-Candida albicans results, acting through different mechanisms, showing promise as alternatives for future treatments, and potentially improving the quality of life of affected patients.