Gram-stain or wet mount (saline or 10% KOH) of swabs from the vulva/vaginal wall, or penis/prepuce will reveal budding yeast cells and pseudohyphae (sensitivity 60%)
Vaginal pH 4 – 4.5
Culture on Sabouraud media (isolation in the absence of symptoms and negative direct smear is not an indication for treatment)
Serum antibodies should not be used for diagnosis
DIAGNOSIS
Symptoms and signs of vulvo-vaginitis or balano-posthitis
PLUS
Demonstration of yeasts/pseudohyphae on wet mount or Gram-stain or positive culture