Symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis and genital colonization by Candida species in Nigeria

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common clinical finding among women especially the sexually active group, even though there has been a sustained increase in both the variety and potency of antifungal drugs over the past three decades. The disease apparently appears not to have sufficiently yielded to these breakthroughs nevertheless. The study was therefore set up to ascertain the prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among women in Jos. The study was retrospective in nature: Data generated from analysis of endocervical and high vaginal swab (ECS/HVS) specimens by the Microbiology laboratory of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for a period of five years (July 1999 - June 2004) was compiled. Samples were collected, transported, stored and processed using standard laboratory procedures. Additional information was obtained from patients’ case notes in the records department. Results were analyzed using Epi Info 6 statistical software. The prevalence of Candida infection was found to be 29.1% (n = 2458); no isolate was recovered from those less than 10 years of age, while the peak age-group of infection was 30 - 39 years 11.8% (n = 997); the age-group 20 - 49 years accounted for over 25% of the entire infections. Common clinical manifestations were: Nil symptoms, 24.7% (n = 607); itching and rashes, 29.4% (n = 723). Due to the importance of the results, sex education workshops should be conducted for adolescents and young adults in order to educate them on the clinical importance of candidal infections. Key words: Candida species, colonization, female, vaginal.