Abstract

Vaginal candidiasis is a common complaint among women of different age groups in any society whether or not they are sexually active. Although it is both treatable and mild, when left untreated, is a possible risk for acquisition of HIV/AIDS as well as other complications. The study was set to detect Candida organisms in female genital discharge in order to improve treatment of vaginal candidiasis in current syndromic management of abnormal vaginal discharge. A prospective study of female genital swabs collected from Primary Health Care Centers, Jos, and analysed for microscopy, culture and sensitivity in Jos University Teaching Hospital, December 2006 to December 2007. Data on epidemiologic indices were collected from the patients, using structured interviewer- administered questionnaires. Four hundred and twenty Candida species were detected, constituting 60% (n = 420) of 700 female genital discharge samples of microbial etiology in a total of 1000 female genital samples received. The distribution of vaginal candidiasis according to age was highest in young adults aged 21 to 30 years with 43% (n = 180) of the total 420 cases. Pregnant women presented with vaginal candidiasis constituted 40% (n = 168) of the total 420 cases. Other risk groups included the immune-suppressed with 24% (n = 101); group on hormonal therapy 15% (n = 63) and broad spectrum antibiotics users 16%(n = 67). The result shows that Candida species has assumed the role of the most common cause of vaginitis, with Candida albicans as the most prevalent species. Vulvo-vaginal candidiasis was common in the young adults of age range 21 to 30 years, pregnant mothers, immune-suppressed, contraceptive and broad spectrum antibiotic users. We therefore recommend prevention, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of vulvo-vaginal candidiasis especially among the risk groups in order to avert its complications and reduce HIV transmission.

Key words: Vaginal candidiasis, risk factors, microscopy, culture, sensitivity.