CANDIDA ALBICANS GENITOURINARY INFECTIONS IN WOMEN IN NORTH MACEDONIA: ROLE OF VAGINAL FLORA AND AGE-RELATED SUSCEPTIBILITY

Candida albicans is a common opportunistic pathogen responsible for fungal infections in the genitourinary tract, particularly among women, where disturbances in the normal vaginal flora may lead to overgrowth.Although part of the natural microbiota, under specific conditions this yeast can become pathogenic, causing infections such as vulvovaginal candidiasis.This study aims to determine the prevalence of Candida albicans in women with genitourinary tract infections across various regions of North Macedonia and to assess the influence of vaginal flora imbalance and demographic factors on infection rates.A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 501 female patients, categorized into five age groups, from 12 different regions.Vaginal swab specimens were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques, including direct microscopy and culture on ChromID Candida and CEOS Chromogenic Candida media.Data analysis was performed using STATA 14 and Microsoft Excel.Among the participants, 13.97% tested positive for Candida albicans, with the highest incidence observed in the Kievo and Kavadarci regions.A statistically significant association was found between disturbances in vaginal flora and the occurrence of candidiasis.The findings are presented in both tabular and graphical formats.The study underscores the relevance of vaginal microbiota balance and demographic distribution in the diagnosis and prevention of Candida albicans infections.Regional surveillance and microbiological screening are recommended for effective management.