The Prevalence and Pattern of Vaginal Candidiasis in Pregnancy in Aba

Abstract

A descriptive study of pregnant women routinely attending antenatal clinics to determine the prevalence of canddidiasis was carried out at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba. One hundred and five women were randomly sampled. High vaginal swabs were collected and examined microscopically. The prevalence of vaginal candidiasis was 42.9%. It was commoner in the younger women between the ages of 21 – 30 years and in primigravida. The attack rate was higher in the third trimester of pregnancy. There was no clear relationship between weight and prevalence. A comparatively high prevalence is reported. All the women were asymptomatic. Random and injudicious use of antibiotics is common in the city due to various factors. This could account for this result.


Key Words: Vaginal Candidiasis, High Vaginal swabs, Attack Rate.


Jnl of Medical Investigation and Practice Vol.2 2001: 25-27