Leverage of pregnant factor on the prevalence and profile of resistant Candida in women with vulvovaginal candidiasis: Cross-sectional study

Background: Many species of Candida that normally inhabit the vagina can be transformed into pathogens and cause vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of pregnancy on the profile of antifungal-resistant Candida in patients with VVC. Methods: From 940 women with suspected VVC, 100 patients with confirmed VVC were included in a cross-section study of 50 pregnant and 50 nonpregnant women. Resistance isolates of Candida to five antifungal agents were identified by the disc diffusion method. Results: One hundred isolates of Candida were diagnosed to include five species; C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. ciferrii, C. krusei, and C. utilis. C. albicans constituted the most commonly isolated species of all patients (69%), followed by C. glabrata (26%). Isolates were significantly different in variety and not in account between pregnant and nonpregnant patients. Antifungal resistance was mainly dependent on isolate level, with no significant differences between patient groups. C. glabrata was the most resistant species to antifungals. Resistance to itraconazole and nystatin was most commonly observed in Candida isolates, while resistance to miconazole was frequently high in pregnant patients. All isolates from patient groups were susceptible to econazole. Conclusion: There was no significant effect of pregnancy on the account and variety of antifungal resistance Candida in patients with VVC. Regularly checking for VVC in pregnant women is recommended to prevent any potential risks in the future. Further research is required to determine the sexual transmission of Candida to the partner.