Prevalence and Co-occurrence of Candida albicans and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Lactobacillus-Deficient HIV-Negative Adolescent Girls and Young women

HIV-negative AGYW demonstrated a high burden of STIs, with C. albicans positivity associated with alcohol consumption, frequent sexual intercourse, and vaginal discharge syndrome. The absence of Lactobacilli was associated with increased odds of C. trachomatis positivity. Further research is recommended using longitudinal designs, larger sample sizes, and diverse populations to better understand these observations.