Vaginal Candidiasis among Symptomatic Childbearing Age Women in Kaduna, Nigeria

Abstract

Candida albicans is one of the human pathogens with highest prevalence around the globe. The current research aimed at investigating the prevalence of Vaginal Candidiasis is among women of child bearing age presenting with vaginal itching and discharge. A total of Four hundred and eleven (411) consecutive, consenting women of child bearing age attending the gynaecology clinic at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital Kaduna with complaint of vaginal discharge and or itching formed the study population. With the help of Swabs,the specimens were collected carefully and aseptically after parting the labia of the vagina. The pathogens were identified by direct microscopic examination and subsequent gram’s staining of cultured high vaginal swabs from the study subjects. All procedures for the test were based on the recommendations of the manufacturer. The results were analysed using SPSS version 18 software. Out of total of Four hundred and eleven (411) subjects who participated in this study, two hundred and seventy one 271 (66%) were positive while 140 (34%) were negative. In conclusion, the prevalence of Vaginal Candidiasis among the women of child bearing age presenting with vaginal itching and discharge was high (66%),therefore empirical treatment for all symptomatic women using topical/vaginal antifungals is recommended.