The Magnitude of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Women Referred to Gynaecological OPD in Rural Hospital

Candidial vaginitis is a global problem and annually millions of sexually active women are influenced by this disease, of which Candida albicans is the primary aetiological agent.

The objectives of the present study was to determine the prevalence of vulvovaginitis candidiasis (VVC), rapid identification and early speciation of positive clinical specimens using chromogenic medium

This cross-sectional study was carried out, in the Department of Microbiology, in 145 sexually active females with vulvovaginal symptoms. Identification of aetiological agents by Gram's staining, culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar and confirmation of stains by Gram's staining, Germ tube test, chlamydospore formation on corn meal agar, sugar fermentation test and speciation by growth on chrom agar.

From 145 samples studied, 48 (33.1%) were positive for genus Candida. C. albicans accounted for 56.25% and other Candida species for 43.75%. Total of 48 positive cases, 64.58% were detected in pregnant females and 35.41% in non-pregnant females. Culture positivity was significant related to pregnancy, increase in parity, use of oral contraceptives and use of antibiotics.

VVC caused by C. albicans as well as non-albicans species of Candida is quite prevalent in woman of childbearing age of our region. There is also need for constant surveillance studies so that the incidence of infectious caused by non-albicans species of Candida could be kept under check.