Prevalence of Candida albicans Among Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women attending a Medical Facility in Oredo, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Candida albicans is the most prevalent cause of fungal infections worldwide as a consequence of various triggering environments. Hence, this paper evaluates the prevalence of Candida albican in the cultures of pregnant and non-pregnant women who attended prenatal classes at a medical facility in Oredo, Edo State, Nigeria by collecting200 vaginal swab samples for microbiological examination using standard methods. The pour plate method was used to carry out microbial isolation. Based on their cultural, morphological, and biochemical characteristics, isolated microorganisms were recognised. The agar dilution technique was used to test antifungal sensitivity. The results showed that the lowest fungal count was 0.6±0.48×10³ cfu/g and the highest fungal count was 5.6±0.32×10³ cfu/g. Both Candida albicans and non-albicans were among the fungal isolates. In comparison to non-pregnant women (18 %), pregnant women had a percentage frequency of Candida albican of 30.5 %. Age groups 31 to 35 and 41 to 46 showed the highest and lowest frequencies of Candida albicans, respectively, among the pregnant women. Additionally, the age range of 20 to 25 had the highest frequency of Candida albicans among the non-pregnant women, while the age range of 36 to 40 had the lowest frequency. No antifungal resistance was found in any of the Candida albicans isolates to the analytical grades of itraconazole or clotrimazole, respectively. Additionally, isolate proliferation was inhibited by Ocimum gratissimum extracts. This study revealed that pregnant women had a higher prevalence of Candida albicans than non-pregnant women. It is recommended that, the general public given orientation of the major health effects of vulvovaginal candidiasis during pregnancy, especially during antenatal.