Efficacy of single-dose oral fluconazole in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Twenty-five nonpregnant patients of childbearing age with clinical and mycologic evidence of vulvovaginal candidiasis were treated with single-dose oral fluconazole (150 mg) capsules at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria. Concomitant anorectal carriage was found in eight (33.3%) patients during the pretreatment evaluation. Twenty-four patients completed the treatment and follow-up schedule. Of these, 19 (79%) were completely cured of clinical signs and symptoms, four (17%) showed significant improvement, while only one (4%) failed to obtain clinical regression of her symptoms. Laboratory results showed complete pathogen eradication in 21 patients (88%) for all isolated yeasts, and in 23 patients (96%) when only Candida albicans was considered. No side effects were reported by any patient. Our findings suggest that oral fluconazole (150 mg) is well tolerated and effective in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.