Optimization of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Induction in Rattus norvegicus using Estradiol Benzoate: A Preliminary Study

Dariatul Janah; Andi Yasmon; Ibnu Agus Ariyanto

doi:10.32539/bji.v12i2.345

Dariatul Janah

Master of Biomedical Sciences Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

Andi Yasmon

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3999-4976

Ibnu Agus Ariyanto

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0576-0562

Introduction. Approximately 75% of women of reproductive age have opportunistic vaginal infection with Candida albicans at least once in their lifetime, which is known as vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The increasing global prevalence and emergence of antifungal agents underscore the importance of research into effective prevention and treatment. In vivo studies using rats are commonly conducted, as they provide valuable knowledge on reproductive diseases in humans such as VVC. Methods. Pseudoestrus was induced in wistar rats by subcutaneous injection of estradiol benzoate at doses of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/rat/week. Cytologic observation using vaginal smear staining is used to detect cornified epithelial cells and leukocytes. VVC was induced by intravaginal administration of Candida albicans ATCC10231 (0.5 and 1.0 McFarland) daily for 5 consecutive days. VVC confirmation by microscopic detection of Candida albicans pseudohyphae from vaginal swabs, supported by viability testing of vaginal lavage cultures. Results. Pseudoestrus induction was optimal at a dose of 0.2 mg/rat/week, as both animals were maintained in this phase for 3 consecutive days. Furthermore, an inoculum of 1.3×10⁷CFU/mL (McFarland standard 1.0) administered for 5 days successfully induced VVC in both animals. Microscopic confirmation revealed intracellular pseudohyphae, supported by the growth of viable Candida albicans from vaginal lavage cultures. Conclusion. The optimal estradiol benzoate protocol for pseudoestrus induction was 0.2 mg/rat/week, and pseudoestrus was maintained for 3 days without ovariectomy. The optimal VVC rat model was established using intravaginal Candida albicans at 1.3×10⁷CFU/mL for 5 days, with viability from lavage cultures of 1.3×10²CFU/mL and 0.3×10²CFU/mL.

Keywords: Rattus norvegicus Vulvovaginal candidiasis Estradiol benzoate Pseudoestrus Candida albicans

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Ibnu Agus Ariyanto, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

bnu Ariyanto is a lecturer and researcher at Universitas Indonesia. Since March 2023, he has worked as a lecturer and researcher at the Master Program of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, in Jakarta. (Department of Microbiology, FM UI).

He became interested in infectious immunology studies. He is presently concentrating his study on cellular immunity to viral infections such as HIV and CMV. He is eager to learn more about cellular therapy and future infectious disease treatment options.

He is presently employed with UKK PPM LMK (Lab services) as part of the Microbiology Department. In January 2025, he was named the Person in Charge of the Serology Division while simultaneously expanding Genomic Research and Services within the Molecular and Virology Divisions.