Prevalence and Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida species Causing Vaginitis among Pregnant Women in Hajjah Governorate, Yemen
Abstract
Background: Candida species, an opportunistic yeast, are the second commonest affecting the genitourinary tracts in females and causing vulvovaginal candidiasis. Aims: This study aimed to determine the occurrence of Candida species causing vulvovaginal candidiasis among pregnant women in Hajjah governorate, Yemen. Methods: A total of 50 vaginal swab specimens were collected and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The identification of Candida species and antifungal susceptibility testing was done according to standard microbiological procedures. Results: The results showed that 70.45% were positive for Candida species. It was found that the C. albicans was (68.3%) the most common species isolated while the non-Candida albicans was 32.26%. Also, it was recorded that the highest prevalence of Candida species was within-group aged 20-24 years. Similarly, the participant woman coming from rural areas had higher vulvovaginal candidiasis than from urban areas. A higher frequency of vulvovaginal candidiasis was observed among participated women with secondary a certificate, third trimester, paucipares (1-2 birth), and recurrent infection. Also, the pregnant women who complained of itching, burning, and discharge had a high rate of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Susceptibility tests revealed that the most isolated species of Candida were sensitive to fluconazole and nystatin as well as amphoteracin B. Conclusion: It can be concluded that vulvovaginal candidiasis is quite common in Yemen country with a high prevalence. Also, the fluconazole remains the effective agent against all isolates Candida species.
