Prevalence of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis among Female Students in Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba, Nigeria

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common yeast mucosal infection mostly caused by fungi belonging to the Genus “Candida”. Women in their reproductive years commonly experience at least 1-2 episodes of this infection due to repeated exposure to risk factors such as tight-fitting underwear, multiple sexual partners, prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), among others. Aim: This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis among female students in Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba. Study Design: A laboratory based, cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 high vaginal swabs collected from female students in Abia State University Teaching hospital, Aba, utilizing a structured questionnaire to acquire the sociodemographic, clinical factors, and behavioral factors data of the participants. Methodology: 100 High vaginal samples (HVS) and/or vaginal samples (VS) were collected from the study participants. These samples were analyzed with standard microbiology techniques. The swabs were cultured on Sabrouaud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and incubated at 37oC for 48hours. A wet mount was microscopically observed to identify the presence of yeast cells and Gram staining was subsequently conducted. Germ tube test was carried out for the differentiation of Candida albicans from other species of Candida. Urease test, Sugar fermentation test, and Sugar assimilation test were also carried out for further identification. Results: 28% out of 100 high vaginal samples were diagnosed as vulvovaginal candidiasis from this study. Out of the 28 positive samples 20(71.4%) were Candida albicans while 8(28.6%) were Candida tropicalis. The age distribution of vulvovaginal candidiasis among female subjects age range of 22-26 years had the highest distribution of 14(50.0%) while age between 27-31 showed the least distribution of 5(17.9%) Out of 7 students who wore very tight-fitting underwear 5(17.9%) tested positive. The distribution of vulvovaginal candidiasis in relation to vaginal discharge /discomfort was 21(75.0%). In relation to the number of sexual partners had the highest distribution of 19(67.9%). The highest distribution of vulvovaginal candidiasis in relation to history of STI was 20(71.4%) while those with no medical history of STI showed 8(28.6%). Prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics was associated with the highest distribution of 14(50.0%) in relation to behavioral risk factors of study subjects. Conclusion: These findings indicate a notably high prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis among female students at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, highlighting an urgent need for targeted health education initiatives, improved hostel sanitation, and enhanced personal hygiene program to reduce the risk and promote student well-being.