Correlates of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis among Attendees of a Special Treatment Clinic in Nigeria

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is very common with significant morbidity and health expenditure. Many cases are associated with concurrent infections with other sexually transmitted infections and several factors have been attributed as risks for VVC. This study sought to determine the prevalence of Vulvovaginal candidiasis and other reproductive tract/ sexually transmitted infections (RTI/STI) among female patients, evaluate concurrent infection of VVC with other RTI/STI and to identify factors associated with VVC.

Methods: A five year review of data collected for female attendees of a special treatment clinic was carried out. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory investigations, and management were collected and analysed.

Results: Four hundred and seventy three records were examined. The mean age of subjects was 31 years (SD=8.94). The prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis was 30.9%. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, genital warts and chlamydia cervicitis were 23.5%, 14%, and 11.6% respectively, while those of herpes genitalis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, and syphilis were 4%, 3.3%, 1.1%, and 0.4% respectively. Co-infection with VVC was seen in 40.4% of subjects the highest being with bacterial vaginosis. Women aged less than 40 years were significantly more likely than older women to have VVC.

Conclusion: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the commonest genital infection among these women. Young women are at higher risk and concurrent infections especially with bacterial vaginosis are quite common.