Candidiasis In Pregnant Women Research Articles

Vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women attending a tertiary care centre in North-Eastern India

BackgroundCandida colonisation in vagina was found to be 20 %, rising to 30 % during pregnancy. According to studies, the prevalence of VVC during pregnancy is higher than healthy women. During pregnancy, candidal colonisation increases, both symptomatic and asymptomatic. However, the difference between strains causing symptomatic infection and those that cause asymptomatic infection is unknown. ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the virulence factors of Candida VVC isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women. MethodsThe study included 120 pregnant women- 60 symptomatic and 60 asymptomatic, who presented to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Outpatient Department with vaginitis symptoms. High vaginal swabs from the patient and used for gram stain, direct wet mount, pH detection and fungal culture in SDA with and without antibiotics. Germ tube tests, growth in CMA, and HiCrome Candida Differential Agar were used to identify yeast colonies grown in culture. The isolates were then examined for virulence factors like biofilm formation, phospholipase, coagulase, and hemolysin. Antifungal susceptibility was determined using E-test. ResultsThe current study reveals a high prevalence of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in pregnant women(35 %). Asymptomatic patients had lower proportion of VVC than symptomatic patients. Non albicans Candida(NAC) outnumbered Candida albicans. Although Candida albicans growth was predominant in asymptomatic patients. Virulence studies revealed that Candida spp. isolated from symptomatic patients expressed a higher proportion of virulence factors. Besides NAC has higher proportion of expressing virulence factors than Candida albicans and has higher propensity to cause infection especially in symptomatic pregnant women. Antifungal susceptibility testing shows Itraconazole to be most sensitive for VVC treatment but Candida albicans was most susceptible to fluconazole while NAC had the least. ConclusionsThe study emphasizes the importance of routine screening of symptomatic pregnant women for VVC, as syndromic treatment will increase antifungal resistance, particularly in NAC.

Relationship of Urine Acidity to The Risk of Candidiasis Infection in Pregnant Mothers

Candidiasis is a disease caused by fungi and the most common cause is candida albicans. The aim of this study was to measure the relationship between the degree of urine acidity and the risk of candidiasis infection in pregnant women. The benefit of research is to determine the degree of acidity on the incidence of candidiasis in pregnant women. The results of research from 42 urine samples from pregnant women found urine with an acidic pH of 30 urines or 71.4% and from these 30 samples 19 urine samples were found to be positive for Candida albicans. A neutral pH was found in 5 urines with the sample test results not finding Candida albicans, but 1 sample was found with the fungus Candida Sp. The results of the urine measurements found 7 urine with an alkaline pH and no Candida albicans was found, but overall Esterococcus bacteria were found in the urine with a neutral and alkaline pH and no Candida albicans was found.

Vaginal candidiasis in pregnant women: A guide for nurses

Margaret Perry looks at how this common infection can affect women during pregnancy

Prevalence of Candidiasis among Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women in Eleme and Okrika Local Government Areas of Rivers State

Candidiasis is a common opportunistic fungal infection caused by yeast, which affects mainly women. The prevalence of candidiasis among pregnant and non-pregnant women in two Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria was investigated. A total of ninety-five women from ages of 18 to 46 years were selected for the study. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among pregnant and non-pregnant women in two Local Government areas of Rivers State. The study population included pregnant and non-pregnant women. Vaginal specimens were collected and cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and also sub cultured on Hi Crome Candida differential Agar. The isolates obtained were subjected to gram staining, germ-tube test and sensitivity testing. Nystatin and fluconazole are used as antifungal agent. Identified Candida species using cultured technique include Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilopsis. Results further revealed a higher prevalence rate of candidiasis in pregnant women 29.4% compared to non-pregnant women 13.68%. Results of distribution of candidiasis according to trimester of pregnancy showed that Candida albicans and Candida glabrata were more prevalent in pregnant women while the distribution for non-pregnant women showed that Candida albicans were the most implicated species that causes vaginal candidiasis. Twenty-six Candida albicans species were subjected to germ-tube test and ten isolates were confirmed positive to germ-tube formation. This study showed lower rate of candidiasiss in women due to high rate of personal hygiene and medical facilities provided and also the study showed a higher prevalence in pregnant women compare to non-pregnant women. The women at great risk were those between the ages of 26 to 35 years and in their third trimester. Candida albicans was the most prevalent vaginal Candida species across all age groups and trimesters. Appropriate health education is necessary to reduce candidiasis since poor hygiene can lead to opportunistic infection.

Antifungi Test of Red Spinning Extract (Amaranthus tricolor L.) on The Growth of Candida albicans

Candidiasis is starting to increase globally in line with the increase in the immunocompromised population such as people with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), diabetes mellitus, antibiotic consumption, and pregnant women. The incidence of candidiasis in pregnant women increased by 40%. Candidiasis is caused by a Candida yeast infection such as Candida albicans. Red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) is a plant that has antifungal effects because it contains alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids. The research was conducted in a laboratory experimental manner using the disc diffusion method to determine the effectiveness of red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) as an antifungal against Candida albicans in vitro. Analysis of the data used is Anova One Way and Pearson correlation. Based on the results of the study, the highest inhibition zone was at a concentration of 100%, namely 16.4 mm, this means that red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) has strong antifungal power to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. Researchers hope that these results can be a general reference material for further research to prevent candidiasis so as to improve maternal health rates.

Lactobacilli reduce recurrences of vaginal candidiasis inpregnant women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lactobacilli strains in preventing the recurrences of vaginal candidiasis (VC) in 78 pregnant women with VC (lactobacilli, n=39; placebo, n=39) and the potential benefits on quality of life. The lactobacilli putative probiotic (SynForU-HerCare; two capsules/day of 9·5 log CFU per capsule) or placebo was administered for 8-weeks in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects were assessed for vaginal and gut health conditions at baseline, week-4 and week-8 via questionnaires. The vulvovaginal symptom questionnaire not only covered aspects pertaining to vulvovaginal symptoms but also the quality of life impacts such as emotional, social and sexual. The administration of lactobacilli reduced symptoms of irritation (P=0·023) and discharge (P=0·011) starting week-4 and continued after week-8 (P<0·05), accompanied by reduced symptoms for burning after week-8 (P=0·046) as compared to the placebo. Patients consuming lactobacilli also showed reduced concern about symptoms after week-4 (P=0·010) and continued after week-8 (P=0·001), accompanied by reduced impairment of daily activities attributed to vulvovaginal symptoms (P=0·012) and continued after week-8 (P=0·026). Insignificant differences were observed for sexual impacts between treatment groups. The administration of lactobacilli also reduced recurrences of both emotional and social stress as compared to the placebo at both week-4 and week-8 (P<0·05). Patients consuming lactobacilli showed higher defecation times per week at week-4 (P=0·010) and week-8 (P=0·001) as compared to the placebo group, indicating the potential to reduce risks of pregnancy-induced constipation. Lactobacilli probiotics are beneficial towards pregnant women, especially in reducing vulvovaginal symptoms and recurrences of VC, accompanied by improved emotional and social distress attributed to VC. The study demonstrated the preventive and modulatory roles of lactobacilli strains against VC in pregnant women. Taken altogether, our present data illustrated that lactobacilli probiotics are beneficial towards pregnant women, especially in reducing vulvovaginal symptoms and recurrences of VC, accompanied by improved emotional and social distress attributed to VC, thus could be a potential strategy for the maintenance of vaginal health during pregnancy.

Probiotics Reduce Vaginal Candidiasis in Pregnant Women via Modulating Abundance of Candida and Lactobacillus in Vaginal and Cervicovaginal Regions.

We previously reported on the effects of a lactobacilli probiotic (SynForU-HerCare; two capsules/day of 9.5 log CFU/capsule) in improving symptoms of vaginal irritation, discharge and burning in pregnant women with vaginal candidiasis upon administration for 8 weeks, accompanied by improved emotional and social quality of life parameters. Thus, the present study aimed to analyse vaginal microbiota and inflammatory changes in hope to better understand the improved clinical symptoms as observed previously. Patients in the probiotic group showed a decreased abundance of Candida glabrata after 8 weeks (p = 0.009) in the lower vaginal region, while patients in the placebo group did not show any changes over time. In the higher vaginal and cervicovaginal regions, patients in the placebo group showed a decreased abundance of Candida albicans only within 4 weeks (p < 0.05) but no changes in abundance of C. glabrata over time, while patients in the probiotic group showed a continuous decreased abundance of C. albicans and C. glabrata over 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Patients in the placebo group also had a decreased abundance of Lactobacillus crispatus over 4 weeks (p = 0.023) in the lower vaginal region and a decreased abundance of L. jensenii over 8 weeks in the cervicovaginal region (p = 0.001). Meanwhile, patients in the probiotic group had an increased abundance of L. crispatus in the lower vaginal region after 8 weeks (p = 0.012) and Lactobacillus jensenii over 4 weeks in the cervicovaginal region (p < 0.001). Inflammation may have occurred in both low and high vaginal regions, predominantly observed by the increased concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha in patients from the placebo group (p < 0.05), while the administration of probiotics has shortened the period of inflammation as observed from the reduced need for anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and IL-10 over time (p < 0.05). Taken together, our present new data further support previous findings that probiotic SynForU-HerCare had a beneficial effect against vaginal candidiasis in pregnant women via modulation of the vaginal microbiota and microenvironment.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Trichomoniasis, Bacterial Vaginosis, and Candidiasis among Pregnant Women in a Regional Hospital in Cameroon

Introduction: Several microorganisms cause vaginal infections. Some of them include: Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardneralla vaginalis, Bacteriodes spp., Mobilincus and Candida albicans. In pregnancy, these infections are associated with considerable discomfort and adverse pregnancy outcome including preterm delivery, low birth weight, spontaneous abortions among others. Aims: Bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal trichomoniasis and candidiasis in pregnant women are associated with considerable discomfort and adverse pregnancy outcome (preterm delivery and low birth weight). We attempted to determine the prevalence of these conditions in Regional Hospital Bamenda. Methods: A total of 200 vaginal swabs were collected from pregnant women after the administration of a semi-structured questionnaire. The samples were analyzed using wet mount (Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida spp.), and the Gram stain (Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida spp.). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate association between vaginal symptoms and their risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of vaginal infections was 49.5%, with trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and candidiasis being 2% (4), 27% (54) and 32% (64), respectively. No formal education (AOR = 0.908; 95% CI: -20.72 - 35.62; p = 0.001) and practice of douching (16.93: -0.201 - 29.692; p = 0.005) were found to be independent risk factors for trichomoniasis. Malodourous greenish vagina discharges (18.52; 2.96 - 60.307; p = 0.005) were associated with trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. White (6.566; 17.785 - 21.836; p = 0.004) and yellowish (3.404; 20.127 - 23.457; p = 0.004) vaginal discharges were independent risk factors for mycotic vagina infections. Multivariate analysis revealed that the only risk factor significantly associated to VVC in this study was the use of both water cistern and pit toilet (AOR = 3.684; 95% CI: 0.388 - 2.649; p = 0.010). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of vaginal infections. Early treatment will reduce the disease burden and avoid complications associated with it.

Prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women

Background: Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by a yeast-like fungus, Candida. The fungi are endogenous in man, occurring as part of the harmless commensals of the genital, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, human oral and other surfaces. The study aim to determine vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Mercy Hospital, Abak Local Government Area. Methods: A total number of 50 samples of high vaginal swabs were collected from pregnant women with symptoms of vaginal infection and investigated for Candida isolates using standard techniques. Results: In this study, 25(50%) pregnant women were presented with vaginal discharges, 22(44%) with itching and 3(6%) with burn. The highest prevalence of Candida albicans (C. albicans) was noted among pregnant women of the age group 26-35year (56.7%) followed by those of age 16-25years, (33.3%) and those of age 36-45year (10%), Age group 26-35years had the highest occurrence of C. albicans . The second trimester pregnant women were most infected with C. albicans (56.7%). The 1st and 3rd trimester pregnant women recorded low prevalent rates of 16% and 26.7%, respectively. Conclusion: In this study the high prevalence of C. albicans was due to many different reasons such as: suppression of the immune system due to the pregnancy, prolonged and misuse of antibiotics which destroy the good and beneficial bacteria resulting in the reduction of vaginal immunity.

Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil in The Treatment of Leucorrhea Caused by Candida Albicans Infection on Pregnant Women at Hospitals in Padang

Introduction : According to WHO, the prevalence of reproductive health problems in women has reached 33% from all types of diseases. One of the most frequent reproductive health problems is fluor albus. The incidence of candidiasis in pregnant women has doubly increased, especially at third trimester, compared to women who were not pregnant. Candida should be considered a dangerous pathogen in early pregnancy.Objective : This study compared the number of colonies before and after the administration of virgin coconut oil (VCO) to address vaginal discharge caused by C. albicans infection in pregnant women.Material and methods : This is an experimental study on 36 pregnant women. Examination of fluor albus is done by applying vaginal swab before and after administration of 1 tablespoon of VCO orally three times a day dan 5cc of VCO was applied on the vagina and vulva for intervention group, meanwhile the control group was not given anything. Statistical analysis to test the significance is done by using T-test.Results : There was a difference on average number of colonies with higher number of colonies prior to administration (137.17 ± 16.35 vs 122.17 ± 14.42). The average number of colonies at the first examination was 96.06 ± 8.85 colonies and increased at the second examination to 112.89 ± 12.49 colonies.Conclusion : There was an effect of VCO administration on decreasing the number of colonies in the intervention group (p=0.000), while in control group, there was increasing average number of colonies in the second examination (p=0.000).Keywords: Candida albicans, fluor albus, pregnant women, virgin coconut oil

Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil in The Treatment of Leucorrhea Caused by Candida Albicans Infection on Pregnant Women at Hospitals in Padang

Introduction : According to WHO, the prevalence of reproductive health problems in women has reached 33% from all types of diseases. One of the most frequent reproductive health problems is fluor albus. The incidence of candidiasis in pregnant women has doubly increased, especially at third trimester, compared to women who were not pregnant. Candida should be considered a dangerous pathogen in early pregnancy.Objective : This study compared the number of colonies before and after the administration of virgin coconut oil (VCO) to address vaginal discharge caused by C. albicans infection in pregnant women.Material and methods : This is an experimental study on 36 pregnant women. Examination of fluor albus is done by applying vaginal swab before and after administration of 1 tablespoon of VCO orally three times a day dan 5cc of VCO was applied on the vagina and vulva for intervention group, meanwhile the control group was not given anything. Statistical analysis to test the significance is done by using T-test.Results : There was a difference on average number of colonies with higher number of colonies prior to administration (137.17 ± 16.35 vs 122.17 ± 14.42). The average number of colonies at the first examination was 96.06 ± 8.85 colonies and increased at the second examination to 112.89 ± 12.49 colonies.Conclusion : There was an effect of VCO administration on decreasing the number of colonies in the intervention group (p=0.000), while in control group, there was increasing average number of colonies in the second examination (p=0.000).Keywords: Candida albicans, fluor albus, pregnant women, virgin coconut oil

Development of health education model (vaginal hygiene) in vaginal candidiasis prevention in pregnant women

The danger of VVC for pregnant women are: premature birth, premature rupture of the membranes, low birth weight. In America, 75% of women during reproduction have experienced VVC. Between 40-50% have recurrent infections and 5-8% have chronic candida infections. The purpose of this study is to obtain more comprehensive information regarding the development of models of health education (vaginal hygiene) in the prevention of vaginal candidiasis in pregnant women. The design used is Literature review. Articles were collected through Cochrane, Science Direct, Pubmed, Elseiver, Proquest (Links are from the library of unhas.ac.id) Pubmed, WHO, CDC, Google Scholar. The keywords used were VVC, prevention, audio-visual, modules, pregnant women. After collecting the article then article synthesis was made. Based on the articles collected, the result shows the lack of development of the health education model, namely the provision of modules and audio-visuals in the prevention of early VVC in pregnant women. Thus, through the provision of health education in the form of audio-visual and modules needed in the prevention of vaginal discharge of VVC in pregnant women. The development of models of health education (vaginal hygiene) can effectively prevent vaginal candidiasis by providing audio-visual and modules to pregnant women.

The Effect of Infected Period, Previous, Infection and Family History Infection, with Candida Albicans on the appearance of Candidiasis in Pregnant Women

The Effect of Infected Period, Previous, Infection and Family History Infection, with Candida Albicans on the appearance of Candidiasis in Pregnant Women

Azole Resistance and Detection of the ERG11 Gene in Clinical Candida albicans Isolated from Pregnant Women with Vulvovaginitis Attending Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Nigeria

Introduction: Candida albicans is one of the most important aetiological agents causing vaginal candidiasis in pregnant women. Most women will experience at least one episode during their reproductive years. Antifungal resistance is a particular problem with Candida infections. Some types of Candida are increasingly resistant to the first-line and second-line antifungal medications.&#x0D; Objective: To investigate the azole susceptibility of Candida albicans (C. albicans) from pregnant vulvovaginal candidiasis patients and to detect ERG11 gene in these azole resistance isolates.&#x0D; Methods: Forty-one clinical isolates of C. albicans were collected. Azole susceptibility was tested in vitro using microdilution techniques. The ERG11 genes of 27 isolates of C. albicans (All resistant to azoles) were amplified using PCR method.&#x0D; Results: Of the 67 isolates recovered, 41(61.19%) were C. albicans, of which 27 (65.85%) each, and 25(60.98%) were resistant to Fluconazole, Voriconazole, and Nystatin respectively. In total, ERG11 genes were detected among 24(88.89%) of 27 C. albicans azole resistant isolates.&#x0D; Conclusions: Twenty four ERG11 genes were detected among 27 azole resistant C. albicans isolates, which indicates a possible relation with the increase in resistance to azole drugs and the recurrence of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Probiotic for Vaginal Candidiasis in Pregnant Women

Probiotic for Vaginal Candidiasis in Pregnant Women

The Incidence and Prevalence of Virulence Factors of Vaginal candidiasis in Pregnant Women with Diabetes Mellitus

The Incidence and Prevalence of Virulence Factors of Vaginal candidiasis in Pregnant Women with Diabetes Mellitus

Candidoses vulvo-vaginales chez les femmes enceintes au centre hospitalier Mère et Enfant de Nouakchott (Mauritanie)

AimTo determine the prevalence and the associated risk factors of vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women in Mauritania. Patients and methodThe study was carried out at the laboratory of the Mère et Enfant Center in Nouakchott, from November 1, 2016 to February 5, 2017. It concerned all pregnant women in the third trimester that came to the natal consultation at the gynecology service. These women must have given their informed consent in written form. After completing the survey to collect epidemiological and clinical data, a sample was collected to perform fresh direct examination and culture on Sabouraud-Chloramphenicol media. ResultsTwo hundred pregnant women were included in the study. Culture on Sabouraud-Chloramphenicol media was positive in 52 patients corresponding to a prevalence of 26%. The germ tube test was positive for 61.5% of isolated Candida. Clinical signs are dominated by leucorrhea (56%), pelvic pain (25%) and vulvar pruritus (11%). Among women with positive culture, 55.76% had received local antifungal treatment in the form of an ovula during pregnancy. ConclusionThis study shows that vulvovaginal candidiasis is frequent in pregnant women attending gynecology at the Mère et Enfant Hospital Center in Nouakchott.

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Pregnant Women and its Importance for Candida Colonization of Newborns.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the second most common cause of vaginitis worldwide (after bacterial candidiasis). Maternal vulvovaginal candidiasis is a major risk factor for Candida colonization and infection of the infant where prognosis depends on different predisposing factors. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and the etiological structure of vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women and its impact on Candida colonization of newborns. Samples of vaginal secretions from 80 healthy pregnant women who were clinically suspicious for Candida vaginitis were collected within 48 hours before delivery. Samples for probable Candida colonization from the oral mucosa and feces were collected from their newborns within 47-72 hours after birth. Samples were plated on Sabouraud agar, followed by species identification by API Candida yeast assay. Twenty-three (28.75 ± 5.06%) of the evaluated pregnant women were positive for Candida spp. Positive samples for Candida colonization were found in 18 (22.22 ± 4.62%) of the examined 81 newborns (one pair of twins) from mothers who were clinically suspicious for vaginal candidiasis. Isolates of the newborns were 100% identical to those of the mothers' vaginal secretion. Candida albicans was the predominant species identified in the pregnant women (91.67 ± 0.06%) and in the neonates (83.33±8.78%).

Опыт применения местного комбинированного препарата, содержащего метронидазол и миконазол, для лечения бактериального вагиноза и кандидозного вульвовагинита у беременных

The problem of vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis during pregnancy is extremely relevant in connection with adverse perinatal outcomes, and an increased risk of preterm birth. Treatment of vaginal infections is a serious problem in connection with the formation of bacterial resistance, frequent recurrence, late onset of therapy due to the prolonged diagnosis and drug selection. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical formulation containing 750 mg of metronidazole and 200 mg of miconazole nitrate (Neo-Penotran Forte) for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women in II trimester. Methods. The study included 122 pregnant women aged 18 to 40 years (mean age 29.6±2.5 years) without concomitant extragenital pathology in 18-22 weeks gestation with a confirmed diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (n=51) and candidiasis vulvovaginitis (n=71). The clinical and therapeutic efficacy of the drug was evaluated, as well as the speed of the onset of clinical efficacy (the day of the start of treatment), perinatal outcomes, the incidence of preterm delivery in both groups, the incidence of side effects during treatment with the drug. Results. The therapeutic efficiency of the preparation (no normalization of subjective symptoms and laboratory values) in a group of pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis at 14 and 28 days from the start of the study was 96% (n=48) and 94% (n=47), respectively. In the group with candidal vulvovaginitis - 94.2% (n=65) and 91.3% (n=63). Clinical efficacy (lack of subjective symptoms) by the end of the course of treatment achieved completely in all patients in both groups, and in many patients before the end of the full course of treatment. Conclusion. Neo-Penotran Forte is a highly effective and safe and can be recommended for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women, starting with the II trimester. Effective treatment of pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis drug Neo- Penotran Forte prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes and reduces the risk of preterm birth associated with vaginal infection, but due to the small sample size, this problem requires further investigation.

Vaginal candidiasis complications on pregnant women.

Dear Editor, Vaginal candidiasis is one of the most common forms of fungal diseases, that is usually reported in pregnant women which may cause systemic infections in neonate particularly with low birth weight (LBW) and prematurity after delivery (1, 2). Candida is an important risk factor of systemic infections in low birth weights infants and the related mortalities (3). Neonatal septicemia produced by C. dubliniensis is in the premature infants with LBW has been reported to be successfully treated with amphotericin B (4). There was a tendency towards spontaneous preterm birth reduction among women with asymptomatic candidiasis treated with clotrimazole (5). Screening for eradication of infection during pregnancy may reduce the risk of preterm delivery (2, 6). The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of C. albicans in pregnant women referred to Shabih-Khani Maternity and Gynecology hospital in Kashan, Iran and also to find the effects of infection on the pregnancy including premature rupture of membrane (PROM), preterm delivery and LBW children. This follow–up study was carried out on 150 pregnant women with gestational age of 16-36 weeks with term or preterm delivery referred to Shabih-Khani Maternity and Gynecology hospital of Kashan, from July 2003 to June 2004. A questionnaire was provided based on a secure database including demographic data, symptoms of disease, antenatal visits, pregnancy complications and postnatal data. Vaginal secretions were examined by wet mount and cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar (S) (Merck, Germany), Sabouraud’s dextrose agar + chloramphenicol (SC) (Merck, Germany) and teased mount method was used for diagnosis of Candida Sp., and then were cultured on Corn meal agar (CMA) (Merck, Germany) and then serum test for differential diagnosis of C. albicans was used. In cases that pseudohyphae and blastoconidia were observed in wet mount and teased mount and more than ten mucoid colonies in culture mediums were grown along with disease symptoms, the pathogen was designated as pathogenic Candida sp. and if the chlamydoconidia and germ tubes were detected in CMA and serum tests respectively the infection with C. albicans confirmed. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 16 using chi square (continuity correction) and Fischer exact tests. This study was approved by the ethics committee of Kashan University of Medical Sciences. The prevalence of vaginal candidiasis in pregnant women was 49 (32.7 %). 35% of the patients with preterm labor and 31.8 % with term labor were infected with C. albicans. Out of 12 pregnant women with PROM, four women (33.3%) were showed positive results of C. albicans infection, while in 138 of the mothers without PROM, C. albicans was found in 45 (32.6%) P = 1 (Table 1). Among 29 mothers who had LBW newborns, 5 (17.2%) were positive for C. albicans infection, while of 121 mothers with appropriate gestational age newborns, 44 (36.4 %) were showed C. albicans infections (P = 0.08). From 40 pregnant women with preterm birth, 14 (35%) was positive for C. albicans, but out of 110 with term labor, Candida was detected in 35 (31.8%) that statistically was not significant (P = 0.7). Table 1. Distribution of Pregnant Women According to Candidiasis and Premature Rupture of Membrane The results of the study showed that the prevalence of candidiasis among pregnant women in Kashan is lower than that pregnant women in Nigeria (56.3%), but it was higher than those reported in New Guinea 23% (7, 8) and Robat Karim Medical Center, Iran (9). No significant relation was found between C. albicans infections and preterm labor and PROM and LBW (P = 1, P = 0.08). The results of Hay and Meis is were the same (6, 10). According to the results gained by Kaufman, Candida is a risk factor for both systemic infection in low birth weight infants and mortality which was not in consistence with the results of this study (3). In spite of high prevalence of candidiasis in the pregnant women, no significant relation was found between candidiasis and preterm delivery and PROM and LBW. Low birth weight of the newborns could be considered as risk factors of Candida sp. colonization, so the Candida screening of the mothers with preterm labor and proper management helps avoiding the colonization with subsequent risks of invasive Candidiasis.