Candida albicans Infection and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State

Abstract

Candida albicans affects the quality of life and when present in pregnant women it causes complications especially in individuals that are immunocompromised and or poor attitude to hygiene. A total of 60 high vaginal swap (HVS) samples were taken from pregnant women and analyzed for the presence of C. albicans species. Swap sticks were used in the collection of white patches found around the posterior fornix of the vagina and inoculated in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and incubated at 37^oC for 24hours. Slides were prepared and viewed under reduced light microscope using ×10 and ×40 objective magnification. Germ tube test was carried out to distinguish C. albicans species from other Candida species, using test tubes containing 0.5ml human serum. The result shows that those in their second and third trimester have higher prevalence 12 (40.0%) of C. albicans and the secondi gravid 16 (53.3). Similarly, those in the age group of 15-20 years have prevalence 20 (66.7). Although, not significant (P> 0.05), third trimester, use of tights and age were important predisposing factors as revealed by the adjusted odd ratio of 3.3, 2.2 and 6.9 respectively. High prevalence of Candida albicans was observed and factors such as hygiene habit, age of the women, use of antibiotics, trimester and dressing among women played important role as risk factors. Destruction of epithelia cells of the vagina was significantly correlated with C. albicans infection.