Vulvovaginal candidiasis: Risk factors and clinical and mycological characteristics

• Published in: Journal de mycologie médicale 2010-03, Vol.20 (1), p.36-41
• Main Authors: Anane, S, Kaouech, E, Zouari, B, Belhadj, S, Kallel, K, Chaker, E
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; fre
• Subjects: Abortion; Candida albicans
• ISSN: 1156-5233
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2010.01.001

Objective - Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common cause of feminine genital tract infection encountered in medical practice. The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiological, clinical and mycological characteristics of vulvovaginal candidiasis in a Tunisian population and to evaluate predisposing factors. Material and method - In this prospective study, 1415 vaginal swabs were collected over a period of 1 year (between February 2006 and January 2007). Candida albicans was isolated most frequently (81.16%) followed by C. glabrata (12.2%). Vaginal discharge was the most common symptom (89.70%) followed by vulvar prurits (77.28%) and dyspareunia (49.12%). Reproductive age, pregnancy, frequent genital hygiene, abortion, parity up to two, duration of diabetes correlated positively with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Vulvovaginal candidiasis was not associated with diabetes, type of diabetes, oral contraceptives, intrauterine device, condoms, antibiotic use or tight underclothing. The overall recurrence rate was 1.6%. Women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis were infected more frequently by C. glabrata (28.6%) than women with sporadic vulvovaginal candidiasis (11,39%). Conclusion - Our study showed that specific factors are involved in the genesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Their correction would be necessary to prevent the occurrence of vulvovaginal candidiasis, especially in its recurrent form.