Clinical significance of identifying candida on cervicovaginal (pap) smears

This study was undertaken to determine the clinical significance of detecting candida on Pap smear. Clinical information was obtained from a questionnaire sent to the health care provider whenever candida was identified during the study period. Candida was identified in 309 (3.0%) of the 10,370 Pap smears examined. Completed questionnaires were returned on 137 (44.3%) patients. All 137 smears were reviewed. Ninety‐nine (72%) patients were asymptomatic, 29 (21%) had symptoms typical of candida infection, and nine (7%) had nonspecific symptoms. Forty‐four (32%) patients had been treated for candida during the original clinic visit. After the Pap smear reported candida, 19 (20%) of the 93 nontreated patients were contacted and treated, while 10 (11%) were scheduled for further evaluation. No action was taken on the remaining 64 (69%) patients. There was a significant association between having initial symptoms and receiving immediate treatment (P