Risk Factors for Candidiasis among Patients Referred to Medical Mycology Laboratory of the Special Clinical of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Candidiasis is undoubtedly one of the most important and common diseases of opportunistic fungi in human. Factors such as: age, physiological changes, long-term use of antibiotics, diabetes, immune deficiency, cardiovascular disease can make a person prone to candidiasis. In this study, risk factors contributing to candidiasis in the patients referred to the mycology laboratory of the special clinic of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in 2013 to 2018 were investigated. Methods: In a descriptive study, to show the effective factors in the development of candidiasis as an opportunistic fungal disease, all patients during 2013 to 2018 that referred to the mycology laboratory of the special clinic of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences were examined. In this study, demographic characteristics such as age, gender, occupation, and residence were collected. The results of direct microscopic observation and mycological culture of patient samples were determined. The results were expressed as descriptive statistics. Results: In this study, 26.98% of 541 people had cutaneous candidiasis, 72.08% had nail candidiasis, and 0.92% had systemic candidiasis. The most common species is Candida albicans. The highest frequency of skin candidiasis is related to the age group of 40-49 years (20.54%). It was more common in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes and 47% of patients mentioned excessive contact with water. The highest frequency of nail candidiasis is related to the age group of 30- 39 years and women. It is more common among housewives. It is more prevalent in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, respectively. 75% of patients with systemic mucosal candidiasis had immunodeficiency. Conclusion: The most important factor in preventing candidiasis is public health. For age group of 20-29 years, when suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular and immunodeficiency disease.