Vulvovaginal candidiasis in the Military Teaching Hospital Mohammed the fifth (Morocco)

The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of vulvovaginal candidiasis in women consulting in obstetrics and gynaecology department of the Military hospital Mohammed V in Rabat, to evaluate predisposing factors, and finally to correlate the risk factors for vulvovaginal candidiasis. Patients and methods: This is a prospective study done over a period of two months (1st October 2009-30 November 2009). The study included all women referred to the obstetrics and gynaecology department without any criteria of selection. Vaginal samples were collected with sterile cotton swabs for a test with potassium hydroxide, an estimation of vaginal pH, direct microscopic, fresh, and after a Gram stain and culture on Sabouraud-chloramphenicol with and without actidione. Results: In this study, 114 vaginal swabs were included. Twenty-six cases, or 22,8%, were showing yeast and mycelia on direct microscopic examination, while culture was positive in 30 cases or 26%. Candida albicans was isolated most frequently (69,2%), followed by Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis frequency equalled to 15.5%. The maximum frequency of Candida-positive cultures were in the 25-35 years old age group. Vaginal discharge was the most common symptom (69,2%), followed by vulvar prurits (65.4%) and dyspareunia (50%). Risk factors correlating positively with vulvovaginal candidiasis were: pregnancy, synthetic underclothing and frequent genital hygiene. Multiparity, antibiotics, diabetes, contraceptives and immunosuppression were not predisposing factors for vulvovaginal candidiasis. Conclusion: The diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis resulted from the confrontation of the mycological diagnosis anamnestic and clinical data. The important relationship between vulvovaginal candidiasis and certain epidemiological factors emphasizes the need to educate women and ensure better prevention of this infection.Original Abstract: Notre etude a pour objectifs d'evaluer, chez des femmes consultantes au service de gynecologie-obstetrique de l'hopital militaire d'instruction Mohammed V de Rabat, la prevalence des candidoses vulvo-vaginales, d'en determiner les facteurs de risque de survenue et enfin, de correler ces facteurs de risque a l'infection. Patientes et methodes: Il s'agit d'une etude prospective sur une periode de deux mois (1[super]er octobre 2009-30 novembre 2009). L'etude a concerne toutes les femmes venues en consultation de gynecologie-obstetrique sans aucun critere de selection.