Candidal vaginitis is primarily caused by Candida albicans, a yeast that overgrows in the vaginal mucosa when the normal flora balance is disrupted. This leads to typical symptoms such as vaginal itching, discharge, and inflammation. Unlike bacterial or protozoal infections, candidal vaginitis presents with thick, white, curd-like discharge and is not sexually transmitted. Diagnosis is confirmed by microscopic identification of yeast or pseudohyphae in vaginal secretions. Effective treatment involves antifungal agents like fluconazole or topical azoles.

Reference: Medical Microbiology, Murray et al., 9th Edition.