Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran

2 PhD Candidate in Reproductive Health, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 PhD Candidate in Reproductive Health, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Candidiasis vaginitis is an opportunistic and common mucosal infection. Although
Candida albicans is the most common isolated species, other species of Candida such as Candida
glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis have also increased
significantly in recent years. The aim of this study was to identify Candida species in women with
candidal vaginal infection in order to promote health in women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional descriptive study was performed on nonpregnant
women of childbearing age who referred to health centers in Neyshabur in 2018. At the beginning of
the study, 163 people entered the study and the culture results were positive in 68 of them. In vitro,
culture was performed in subduxtrose agar medium containing chloramphenicol and gentamicin.
Species identification was performed using Candida specific culture medium (Saburo dextrose agar
and chloramphenicol). After culture, 15% of the residual wet slide with potash (KOH) was prepared
and observed with a lens. Finally, the data were analyzed with SPSS software version 24.
RESULTS: The participants in the study were women with a mean age of 35.55 ± 5.47 and the
average number of deliveries was 1.38 ± 1.15. In this study, the prevalence of C. albicans was
59.7%, C. tropicalis was 14.8%, C. krusei was 15%, and C. glabrata was 7.61% and also krusei and
tropicalis were 3% simultaneously. Therefore, C. albicans was the most common species isolated
from clinical specimens.
CONCLUSION: In this study, the most common species after albicans were C. tropicalis and
cruciferous. Considering the role of C. glabrata in the development of resistance to antifungal drugs,
the lower prevalence of this species in the present study can be associated with improved treatment
outcomes in patients.

Keywords

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