Prevalence and Risk Factors of Candida Albicans Infection among Group of Pregnant Women in Maternity Teaching Hospital in Sulimania City Faris Gona Othman1,*, Nasir Sallama Kamel2 1Assistant lecturer, PhD student, Gynecologic and Obstetric department, Collage of Nursing, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan region, Iraq 2Assistant professor, Gynecologic and Obstetric department, Collage of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan region, Iraq *Coressponding Author: Gona Othman Faris, Gynecologic and Obstetric department, Collage of Nursing, University of Sulaimani, kurdistan region, Iraq, e-mail: Gona.faris@univsul.edu.iq, Mobile: 07736993092
Online published on 23 December, 2019. Abstract Background Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a major reason for vaginitis throughout pregnancy, and it may lead to serious complications. A relation between candidiasis and preterm birth has been confirmed. Knowledge about the local epidemiology of VVC is crucial for disease management. Aim of the study To determine the prevalence and the risk factors of VVC in pregnant women. Study design Cross-sectional, non-experimental, descriptive study. Method One hundred pregnant women from the labor ward participated in this study carried out from 16th December 2016 to 16th April 2017. High vaginal swabs were used as samples, and cultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar, incubated at 36°C for 48–72 hours. Candida albicans culture was confirmed by germ tube production. Results Prevalence of VVC among pregnant women was found to be 26%, common within the age group of 33–40 years. Women of 2–4 gravidity were more affected. There was no association among parity, abortion, with candidiasis. Antibiotics, steroids, and diabetes mellitus are the major risk factors. Conclusion The risk of VVC was higher in women who had an unplanned pregnancy, irregular or no visits to antenatal care centers, steroid users and prolonged use of an antibiotic. Top Keywords Vulvovaginal candidiasis, prevalence and risk factor. Top |