Prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women

Abstract

Background: Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by a yeast-like fungus, Candida. The fungi are endogenous in man, occurring as part of the harmless commensals of the genital, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, human oral and other surfaces. The study aim to determine vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Mercy Hospital, Abak Local Government Area. Methods: A total number of 50 samples of high vaginal swabs were collected from pregnant women with symptoms of vaginal infection and investigated for Candida isolates using standard techniques. Results: In this study, 25(50%) pregnant women were presented with vaginal discharges, 22(44%) with itching and 3(6%) with burn. The highest prevalence of Candida albicans  (C. albicans) was noted among pregnant women of the age group 26-35year (56.7%) followed by those of age 16-25years, (33.3%) and those of age 36-45year (10%), Age group 26-35years had the highest occurrence of  C. albicans . The second trimester pregnant women were most infected with  C. albicans  (56.7%). The 1^st and 3^rd trimester pregnant women recorded low prevalent rates of 16% and 26.7%, respectively. Conclusion: In this study the high prevalence of  C. albicans was due to many different reasons such as: suppression of the immune system due to the pregnancy, prolonged and misuse of antibiotics which destroy the good and beneficial bacteria resulting in the reduction of vaginal immunity.