Vaginal Candidiasis Infection among Pregnant Women in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

Epidemiological monitoring of vaginal candidiasis infection associated with preterm delivery and death of the infants is highly desirable especially on pregnant women. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of vaginal candidiasis and the occurrence of Candida species in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (not necessarily presenting any disease symptoms) in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. Selection was by subject consent and presence at the clinics. Vaginal swab and urine samples were collected from 400 pregnant women between the months of May and October, 2014. Candida species were identified using sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). All cultures were screened for the presence of Candida albicans using the germ tube test. Out of 400 pregnant women sampled, 126 (31.5%) tested positive. The age group 19-28 years had the highest prevalence rate with 48 (39.7%) while 49 years and above recorded the least prevalence rate – 23 (26.7%). The result also showed that women at their third trimester recorded the highest prevalence rate of 71 (38.0%). In terms of the effect of the levels of education, the illiterate pregnant women recorded the highest rate with 22 (46.8%) while the least was obtained from those with tertiary education. Based on their occupation, the traders recorded the highest rate -76 (47.8%) while house wives had the least with 8 (8.3%). There is a need for routine surveillance and education of pregnant women on Candida albicans as a holistic procedure in antenatal care.