A SIX-YEAR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS IN CYTOPATHOLOGY REPORTS IN THE STATE OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZIL

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common vaginal infectious disease. The constant increase in the incidence of the disease may be associated with factors such as age, HIV infection, diabetes, use of hormonal contraceptive methods and cytopathological alterations. The aim of the study was to survey the prevalence of Candida sp. in cytopathology reports in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in the period of 2005-2010. In this observational and retrospective study a total of 121,328 cytopathology reports (CR) of cytopathology were assessed in a period of 6 years. The mean age of patients was 35 years old. Of this total, 8,582 CR (7.1%) were positive for Candida sp. More than half of patients (53%) were using oral contraceptive. Alterations in the cervix were present in 49% of the cases. The continuity of epidemiological research is needed to monitor trends over the years to better understand the factors that predispose to VVC in Brazil.