Incidence Of Candida Albicans Infection Among Women Having Cases Of Vaginal Itching And Discharge In Awka Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: This work was carried out to ascertain the incidence of candida albicans among women in Anambra State.
Design: High vaginal swab (HVS) samples were collected from women that attend six hospitals in Anambra State between the months of June and September 2006.
Settings: The samples were collected with sterile swab sticks and processed in the Laboratory unit of the department of Production Technology (Biotech. Option) N.A.U. Awka.
Main outcome measures: Assessment of the incidence of Candida albicans among women complaining of vaginal itching and discharge in Awka.
Results: 90 samples were collected. Out of the 30 samples from pregnant women 22(73.3%) were positive. From the 30 samples from non-pregnant women of age 15-35years, 15(50%) were positive. Of the 30 samples collected from older non-pregnant women of age 36-45yrs, 13 (46.7%) were positive. Examination of culture plates showed some profuse growth, others moderate growth, some scanty growth while some show no growth.
Conclusion: It can be said that Candia albicans is one a common organism that cause vaginal discharge and itching among women, especially pregnant women in our environment.


Keywords: Candida albicans, vaginal discharge, women and high vaginal swab

Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 11 (2) 2007: pp. 9-11