MICROBIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE
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Keywords
Microbiological, Clinical Profile, Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, Biofilm, CLSI
Abstract
: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most frequent fungal infections affecting pregnant women. Hormonal, immunologic, and microbiome changes during pregnancy predispose to Candida overgrowth.
Aim and Objective:The study aimed to determine the prevalence, species distribution, virulence traits, and antifungal susceptibility among Candida isolates from pregnant women presenting with symptoms suggestive of VVC.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at a tertiary care center. High vaginal swabs were collected and processed by standard microbiological methods. Isolates were identified to species level using CHROMagar and biochemical assays. Virulence factors such as biofilm formation and phospholipase activity were tested. Antifungal susceptibility to commonly used agents was determined by the CLSI disc diffusion method.
Results: Out of 500 samples, 256 (51.1%) were culture positive for Candida species, and 244 (48.9%) were negative. Among isolates, C. albicans constituted 28 (38.4%) and non-albicans Candida species 44 (61.6%). C. tropicalis (68.2%) was the predominant non-albicans isolate, followed by C. krusei (17.6%) and C. glabrata (8.2%). Biofilm production was observed in 81.1% of isolates, while phospholipase activity was detected in 15.9%. High resistance was observed to nystatin (89.8%) and cotrimoxazole (84.7%), whereas voriconazole (85%) and amphotericin-B (95%) showed the best activity.
Conclusion: Non-albicans Candida species, particularly C. tropicalis, are emerging as predominant pathogens in pregnant women with VVC, often showing virulence traits and antifungal resistance. Routine species identification and antifungal susceptibility testing are essential for effective management and prevention of recurrent infection during pregnancy.
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Dr. Uruj Jahan
Associate Professor1, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, G.S.V.M Medical College, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr. Rozi Samra
Ex Senior Resident, ESIC & Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre2, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr. Anubha Varshney
Assistant Professor3, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr. Nashra Afaq
Assistant Professor4, Department of Microbiology and Central Research Laboratory, Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr. Shaheen Bhat
Associate Professor5, Department of Microbiology, SMS & R, Sharda hospital,Greater Noida, India.
Dr. Ayesha Nazar
Assistant Professor6, Department of Microbiology, SMS & R, Sharda hospital,Greater Noida, India.
Dr. Shalini Raman
Assistant professor*, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Era Medical College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.