Prevalence of Candida Albicans in Symptomatic Vulvovaginitis in Port Harcourt; Rivers State; Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of Candida albicans in symptomatic vaginitis in female patients aged 15 - 30 years attending the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) Clinics was investigated. A total of 120 High vaginal swab (HVS) samples were collected and examined by direct microscopy and culture. The investigation revealed that prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among these patients was 50. Candida albicans accounted for 38.3while other species of Candida accounted for 11.7. Susceptibility of C. albicans to fluconazole was examined using well-in-agar diffusion technique and 89.1of C. albicans colonies were found to be susceptible to the antifungal azole. Microscopic examination also revealed that both bacteria and Trichomonas vaginalis cause vaginitis