Epidemiology of vulvovaginal candidiasis in China: a six-year retrospective single-center study from a tertiary obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Shanghai

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a widespread condition among women, associated with significant emotional, physical, and economic burdens, and presents ongoing challenges in diagnosis and management. Our six-year Shanghai study reveals Candida species caused 9.66% of vaginitis cases, with C. albicans remaining predominant and showing alarming fluconazole resistance (18.82%). Particularly concerning is the rising trend of non-albicans Candida, especially C. glabrata. These findings critically emphasize the necessity of implementing routine species identification and continuous antifungal susceptibility testing in China to guide targeted therapy, curb resistance spread, and optimize VVC management strategies.