Vulvovaginal candidiasis infection In women | ||
| Microbes and Infectious Diseases | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 08 July 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/mid.2025.388574.2830 | ||
| Author | ||
| Ginan Kareem Al-mammory* | ||
| Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University /College of Health and Medical Techniques, Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Kufa, Iraq 31003 | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Candida species cause opportunistic infections called vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) among women due to decreased immunity, hormonal disorders, and the pregnancy period. This work aimed to compare the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis among married and unmarried ladies, followed by a study of susceptibility testing to commonly used antifungals. Methods: 100 samples were collected from gynecology clinics in Babil Governorate / Iraq, and the VITEK2 device diagnosed all samples. Results: The results showed that vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) was more prevalent in women aged ≥ 41 years and aged 31-40 years. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) had a significant prevalence among married women (65%) and pregnant women (60%) compared to other women. Twenty-five isolates were positive as Candida albicans (60%) and non-albicans candida (40%), including Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata, and Candida krusei. The antifungal susceptibility was performed by disk diffusion. All isolates were resistant to nystatin but were susceptible to other antifungals. Candida albicans was susceptible to both fluconazole and miconazole (67%), amphotericin B, and itraconazole (53%, 60%) respectively. Candida parapsilosis was susceptible to all antifungals (100%) except nystatin. Candida glabrata was susceptible to amphotericin B and miconazole (100%), and both itraconazole and fluconazole were (67%). At the same time, Candida krusei was susceptible to amphotericin B, itraconazole, and miconazole (100%), while fluconazole was (80%). Conclusion: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is most common among women aged 31–40 and 41–65. Marital status and pregnancy are risk factors for this infection. The prevalence of Candida albicans was higher than that of non-candida albicans. All isolates were resistant to nystatin but sensitive to miconazole; therefore, miconazole was the preferred option for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Vulvovaginal candidiasis; Vaginal disease; Women groups; Candida albicans; Antifungal agents | ||
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