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.