Recurrent genital candidosis and iron metabolism.

Abstract

It was thought possible that recurrent genital candidosis, like chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, might be related to abnormalities in iron metabolism. Haemoglobin, serum iron, and serum ferritin levels of patients with recurrent genital candidosis were compared with those of patients who harboured yeasts but had no history of 'thrush', and with a control group of patients with no evidence of yeasts or history of 'thrush'. The mean haemoglobin level in patients with recurrent genital candidosis was significantly lower than in the control group (P less than 0-05) but it was thought that this difference did not have much practical meaning. There was no significant difference in the serum iron and serum ferritin levels between the three groups.