PREVALENCE OF CANDIDIASIS AMONG SYMPTOMATICPREGNANT AND NON-PREGNANT WOMEN IN NEW DAMIETTA, EGYPT

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a widespread gynecological issue affecting women globally. This study focuses on evaluating the occurrence of vaginal candidiasis in both symptomatic pregnant and non-pregnant women. Methods: This study was carried outpatients attending the outpatient-clinic at Al-Azhar University Hospital at New Damietta from September2023 to September2024. The study group included 50 symptomatic pregnant women and 50 symptomatic non-pregnant women. High vaginal swabs were collected, and direct smears were stained with gram stain and cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar plates. Germ tube test, culture on chromogenic agar, carbohydrate assimilation test, sugar fermentation test and growth at 45°C were done to differentiate between the different species of Candida. Anti-fungal sensitivity test was also done. Results: C. albicans was detected in 27(54.0%) and 36 (72.0%) C. krusei in 18 (36%) and 13 (26%) and C. tropicalis 1(2%) and 1(2%) in non-pregnant and pregnant women, respectively with no significant differences between both groups. No significant difference has been found between pregnant and non-pregnant women in the sensitivity to nystatin with most isolates were being sensitive to nystatin (58% in non-pregnant and 70% in pregnant women). A significant difference has been found across C. spp. for sensitivity to nystatin, itraconazole, and fluconazole. C. albicans showed a high level of sensitivity (98.4%) to nystatin while C. krusei and C. tropicalis displayed higher resistance to nystatin (90.3% and 100%, respectively). C. albicans showed higher resistance (87.3%) to itraconazole. C. krusei and C. tropicalis isolates were intermediately resistant to itraconazole (74.2%). C. albicans were highly resistant to fluconazole (93.7%). However, most of the C. krusei isolates (83.9%) were sensitive to fluconazole. C. tropicalis also showed 100% sensitivity to fluconazole. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that vaginal candidiasis is more common in pregnant compared to non-pregnant women.