Prevalence and sensitivity of Candida albicans to fluconazole and nystatin

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a fungal infection of the female lower genital tract comprising the vulva and the vagina. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) amongst female undergraduate students in a Nigerian university and also to evaluate the susceptibility profile of the organism. Validated questionnaires were used to collect demographic information of consenting study participants and to test the participants’ level of knowledge and perception of VVC among female undergraduates. Candida isolates were identified using a germ tube test and Chromogenic Candida differential agar. Candida isolates were then subjected to a susceptibility test using antifungal discs. The result revealed that 120 participants were interviewed but 105 participants gave their consent. Yeasts were detected in 89 (84.76%) by culture. Candida albicans 79(88.76%) was the most common species, followed by Candida glabrata 9 (10.12%), and Candida krusei (1.12%). Susceptibility test showed that the isolates were majorly resistant to fluconazole and nystatin. It was seen that there was high prevalence of VVC despite good knowledge and average perception of the infection. Candida albicans was predominant in the study. Based on assessment, both fluconazole and nystatin were not exactly the most effective drug/antifungal drug of choice for therapy. The result of this study reveals that there is high prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis amongst female students in a Nigerian university and the isolates were largely resistant to fluconazole and nystatin.