Prevalence of Vaginal Candidiasis among Female Students of a Hostel in the University of Calabar, Calabar
E. N. Mbim *
Deparment of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
C. I. Mboto
Deparment of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
U. E. George
Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
C. F. Umego
Deparment of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
U. O. Edet
Deparment of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Obong University, Obong Ntak, Etim Ekpo L.G.A, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
N. A. Orajiaka
Deparment of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
High vaginal swabs were collected from female students aged 17-31 years of the University of Calabar, Calabar following informed consent. Each student completed a questionnaire that explored information on their personal hygiene and behavioral risk factors. The samples were cultured and evaluated for the presence of Candida albicans using standard microbiological techniques. Candida albicans was detected in 20.0% of the subject samples. Persons aged 22-26 years had the highest prevalence (32.3%) while the age range of 27-31years had the least prevalence (5.7%). Candida albicans was significantly associated (p<0.05) with the age of the study subjects. The use of broad spectrum antibiotics, wearing of non-ventilating tight nylon pants, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptive pills and vaginal douching were identified risk factors for vaginal candidiasis. This study revealed a high prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among apparently healthy female students population and makes need for an intervention.
Keywords: Candida albicans, females, prevalence, vaginal candidiasis