Vaginal eosinophils and IgE antibodies to Candida albicans in women with recurrent vaginitis.

Eosinophils were identified in 31 of 121 (25.6%) vaginal smears obtained from women with recurrent vaginitis. The presence of eosinophils correlated (p less than 0.005) with the occurrence of IgE antibodies to Candida albicans in vaginal fluid. Localized allergic responses to C. albicans or other allergens may contribute to the pathogenesis of recurrent vaginitis in sensitized women.