European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS IN DIABETIC & NON-DIABETIC WOMEN

Shital Sangani, Jegan Charlies*, V. Anandi and G. Kandhakumari

ABSTRACT

Background: Vaginal Candidiasis (VC) is a female genital system infection which occurs due to Candida species. It is estimated that as many as 75% of women experience at least one episode of Vaginal Candidiasis during the lifetime. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence rate of vaginal Candidiasis between diabetic & non-diabetic women. Materials and Methods: This comparative study was performed on 50 diabetic women and 50 non-diabetic women referred to Sakshi Medical college & Research Centre, Guna, Madhya Pradesh, India. All specimens were examined under direct microscopy and cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Chrome agar (for Candida species identification). Complimentary tests also done, such as germ tube test and sugar assimilation test to differentiate the Candida species. Patients’ information was collected by a questionnaire. Observation and Result: From total 50 diabetic women’s samples, 28 (56%) were infected to Vaginal Candidiasis, whereas from total 50 non-diabetic women’s samples, 17 (34%) were infected to Vaginal Candidiasis. The frequencies of the isolated Candida species in diabetic women include Candida albicans with 19 (67.9%), Candida glabrata with 3 (10.7%), Candida tropicalis with 4 (14.3%) and Candida parapsilosis with 2 (7.1%), whereas in non-diabetic women, Candida albicans with 9 (52.9%), Candida glabrata with 2 (11.8%), Candida tropicalis with 2 (11.8%) and Candida parapsilosis with 4 (23.5%). Conclusion: Vaginal Candidiasis was more prevalent in diabetic women than non-diabetic ones. Candida albicans was, by far, the most predominant fungal isolate. The culture of vaginal discharge should be warranted because culture technique is more sensitive than direct smear.

Keywords: Candida species, Diabetes mellitus, Vaginal Candidiasis, Women.