Abstract: In order to study the role of prostaglandin E2(PGE₂)on the pathogenesis of candidal vaginitis,the effect of Candida albicans and histamine on the production of PGE₂ by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with candidal vaginitis and normal controls,the effect of PGE2 on germ tube formation of Candida albicans,and the effect of PGE2 on Candida albicans adhering to vaginal epithelial cells were observed.The results showed that:Candida albicans and histamine induced PGE2 synergistically,and the production of PGE2 increased markedly.PGE2 enhanced germ tube formation in Candida albicans,increased the number of Candida albicans adhering to the vaginal epithelial cells, and the pathogenicity of C.albicans.The above results indicate that PGE₂ plays a role in the pathogenesis of candidal vaginitis.

Key words: Candidal vaginitis, Candida albicans, Prostaglandin E2