〔Abstract〕 Objective To investigate the difference in invasiveness between vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis(RVVC) strains, and to explore the effect of strains with different secreted aspartate protease(Sap) on vaginal local immunity. Methods Vaginal secretions of VVC and RVVC patients were collected for fungus identification.Candida albicans(C.albicans) were taken for drug sensitivity analysis, 25 S rDNA genotyping, and detection of secreted aspartate protease(Sap) and phospholipase(Plb) activity.C.albicanswith different Sap activity were cultured with vaginal epithelial cells, and the levels of Interleukin(IL)-4, IL-8, IL-17 in cell supernatant were measured by ELISA. Results Sap activity of VVCC.albicanswas stronger than that of RVVC. After infection withC.albicans, the secretion of IL-4, IL-8 and IL-17 by vaginal epithelial cells was higher, and IL-8 and IL-17 appeared earlier and lasted longer.C.albicanswith strong Sap enzyme activity could stimulate vaginal epithelial cells to secrete more cytokines. Conclusion Except for the Sap activity, there was no significant difference in the invasiveness between VVC and RVVC strains.C.albicanscould activate the vaginal host immune response in a short time. The lower Sap activity ofC.albicansin RVVC patients may be related to the protective factors secreted by the vaginal epithelium.