Cytolytic vaginosis: A brief review

Abstract

Cytolytic vaginosis is a condition that symptomatically mimics vulvovaginal candidiasis. It was reported for the first time by Cibley and Cibley, in 1991. The authors stressed the need to distinguish cytolytic vaginosis from vulvovaginal candidiasis since the symptoms were attributed to hyperacidity created by the overgrowth of resident lactobacilli of the vagina. Patients show lack of response to antifungals and therapy aimed at increasing the vaginal pH offers relief. Since then there were conflicting opinions regarding the existence of the entity “cytolytic vaginosis.” This review aims to give a brief overview of the condition termed “cytolytic vaginosis.”