Vulvovaginal candidiasis and antifungal susceptibility patterns among pregnant women at the university hospital of Angré, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Paper Details
Vulvovaginal candidiasis and antifungal susceptibility patterns among pregnant women at the university hospital of Angré, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a frequent reason for consultation in gynecology. Few studies have been conducted in pregnant women, even though they may be asymptomatic. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological profile of vulvovaginal and antifungal susceptibility patterns among pregnant women at the university teaching hospital of Angré in Abidjan. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the gynecology-obstetrics department of the Angré University Hospital from June to October 2024. Swabs were taken from Pregnant women for mycological analyses. Each sample was examined directly and cultured at 37°C on Sabouraud-Chloramphenicol medium. Candida yeasts were identified using Chromagar Candida medium or Vitek 2. Antifungal susceptibility was determined using the agar diffusion method with discs. Of total of 402 women included, 70 were positive on culture, representing an overall vaginal candidiasis carriage rate of 19.2%. The yeast species identified were Candida albicans (48.1%), Candida krusei (27.8%), Candida tropicalis (12.7%), and Candida glabrata (11.4%). Symptoms such as vaginal discharge, vulvar pruritus, and dyspareunia were statistically linked to Candida carriage (p<0.05). Non-albicans species showed low sensitivity to antifungal agents. Candida krusei was only 68% susceptible to amphotericin B and econazole while Candida tropicalis had low susceptibility. This study showed a relatively high frequency of Candida yeasts in pregnant women. The emergence of non- albicans with less susceptibility to the antifungal drugs highlights the importance of systematically screening pregnant women to better manage vulvovaginal candidiasis.
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Kpongbo Etienne Angora*, Matenin Ouattara, Maurine Aline N’guiachi, Salifou Koné, N’drin Effoh, Vincent Djohan, Hervé Eby Menan, Adèle Kacou N’douba, 2025. Vulvovaginal candidiasis and antifungal susceptibility patterns among pregnant women at the university hospital of Angré, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Int. J. Microbiol. Mycol., 21(5), 1-11.
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