ABSTRACT

Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an opportunistic, second most common mucosal fungal infection to vagina at reproductive age. Knowledge about its causes and the most common risk factors is limited in India, particularly in rural regions. Objective: A cross section study was performed to study the prevalence of VVC infection and its species specific distribution. Methodology: A total no of 200 patients in the reproductive age group (18-49 years) fulfilling the clinical criteria of VVC are included in this study. Three vaginal swabs were taken; one swab was used for KOH wet mount, other for gram staining and the third for culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar incubated aerobically at 37 °C for 48 hours. Results: VVC was found in 33% of patients. Most susceptible age group form this were 21- 30 years followed by 31-40 years. Rate of VVC was also found more in females from rural area, low education, non-working, married and pregnant worman. Non-albican VVC is also more than the C. albicanc VVC. Disease conditions such as diabetes, use of contraceptive devices or pills and previous incidence of VVC also showed more chance of VVC. Conclusion: VVC has multiple risk factors and it is very important to identify those. Identifying the causative microorganism during clinical diagnosis may help in proper therapeutic management of VVC. In addition, guidance on personal care and self-identification of symptoms and reporting it on time to near-by physicians may help in the prevention of this infection in females from rural areas of India. Keywords: Vulvovaginal candidiasis, Candida albicans, Prevalence, Central India, Risk factors
Publication date: 15/12/2021

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2021/December/MS_IJBPAS_2021_DEC_SPCL_1037.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2021/10.12.1037