Detection and Epidemiology of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis among Asymptomatic Pregnant Women Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is caused by the overgrowth of Candida species, most commonly Candida albicans in the vagina and is characterized by curd-like vaginal discharge, itching and erythema. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and to emphasize the need for proper detection of vulvovaginal candidiasis among asymptomatic pregnant women. A total of 140 pregnant women aged between 20-49 years and of gestation age of 14-36 weeks were recruited for this study. High Vaginal swabs were collected under aseptic condition. Samples collected were analyzed within one hour of collection using microscopy and culture methods. The isolates were further subjected to the Germ tube test (GTT) and the chromogenic agar test (CHROM agar). The rate of Candida infection was found to be 25% (n=35) among the pregnant women. The peak age of infection was 20-29 years 33.8% (n=26), no woman between the age 40 to 49 years had candidiasis. Candidiasis was significantly more likely to be detected in pregnant women in the second trimester compared to those in the first (χ 2 =5.952; p <0.05) and third trimesters ((χ 2 =9.282; p <0.05). This study revealed a high incidence of asymptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis among pregnant women in Ogbomoso and various Candida spp responsible for VVC were identified.

The occurrence of vulvovaginal Candida species and their antifungal susceptibility pattern in HIV seropositive women in Ahvaz, Southwest Iran

“…26 Beigi et al's study revealed that asymptomatic VVC was about 5-30% in Ohio, USA. 27 A high rate of VVC was reported in women in the age range of the 20-29 years in many studies, 17,28 which was consistent with our findings (24.68 ± 8.99 years), probably due to drug usage and or contraceptives. Spinillo et al reported a high rate of Candidiasis among married women between 30 and 45 years with frequent sexual activity, reproductive history, and taking contraceptives.…”

“…In this regard, the prevalence of candidiasis in women in the age range of 20-29 years (33.8%) was more than those in the age range of 30-39 years (24.3%). 17 In another study, the prevalence of VVC was reported 30% in Nigeria 25 and 30.7% in Jamaica. 26 Beigi et al's study revealed that asymptomatic VVC was about 5-30% in Ohio, USA.…”

“…The high prevalence of candidiasis (≥50%) was https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2020.02.021 Received 11 July 2019; Received in revised form 18 January 2020; Accepted 24 February 2020 reported among HIV positive patients in different regions, [13][14][15][16] and C. albicans as the most common species. 10,13,16,17 Based on the researches in different regions of Iran, the prevalence of VVC and Candida spp. have been reported, for example Kermanshah (20%), Mazandaran (28.2%), Esfahan (54.6%), and Tehran (87.5%), respectively.…”

Prevalence of antenatal vulvovaginal candidiasis: our experience

“…Clotrimazole is classified as category A drug, which has been used by large number of pregnant women without any proven increase in the frequency of malformation or harmful effects on the fetus. 22,23 Local application of clotrimazole vaginal passerines or cream is generally well tolerated, can be used for 6 days which is supported by the Cochrane Systematic Review of treatment for candida eradication in pregnancy and was the regimen used in the kiss trial. 1,24 As there is a high prevalence of vaginal candidiasis in pregnancy and its associated complications, it is better to screen all pregnant women and treat the positive patients.…”

Prevalence of asymptomatic infections in sexually transmitted diseases attendees diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, vaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis

“…Pathogenic candida species that cause vaginitis most often are Candida albicans , Candida glabrata , and Candida tropicalis . [56] Trichomoniasis is caused by flagellated protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis . It can cause vaginal irritation, pruritus, and malodorous discharge though asymptomatic carriage is common.…”