Evaluation of Candida Vaginitis Epidemic Caused by Candida Albicans in Women of Kazerun City

Introduction: Candida albicans is one of the most common causes of vaginitis and one of the most important reasons for women to visit health centers. The aim of this study was to determine Candida albicans infection and its related factors in women in Kazerun.  Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2017 on 150 samples extracted from the laboratory. Swab specimens were prepared from patients' vaginal secretions and immediately transferred to Nickerson culture medium. To distinguish Candida albicans species, germ tube method and macroscopic and microscopic morphology were used. The ability to identify Candida albicans with 92.5% chromium agar medium, 94.5% fertile tube production, 92.5% corn mill agar medium, 87% culture at 45 ° C and 92.5% RapID commercial kit were reported.  Results: Susceptibility of Candida albicans isolates to antifungal drugs fluconazole 58%, ketoconazole 62%, nystatin 100%, amphotericin B96%, clotrimazole 70% and 100% resistance to flucytosine was observed.  Conclusion: In univariate analyzes, Chi-square and Fisher tests were used for qualitative variables and independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used for quantitative variables. The mean and standard deviation of age of the studied samples was 28-29±  6-8 years and the prevalence of Candida albicans was 27.23 ± 0.33. In this study, the prevalence of candidiasis based on positive candida culture in vaginal discharge was high and was higher in groups of women with specific risk factors. Knowing these risk factors can be helpful in diagnosing and treating affected women.