Vulva Candidiasis among HIV Patients and Healthy Female Volunteers in Port Harcourt

Abstract

Vulvo-rectal the most prevalent species of candida, Candida albicans, is the cause of candidiasis, a fungal infection of the vagina that affects the genital system as an adaptive and opportunistic pathogen. This study was aimed at examining the prevalence and risk factors of vulvo-vaginal candidiasis among HIV positive women and healthy volunteers in Port Harcourt. A total of 200 urine and HVS samples, 100 from each of the two groups, were collected. The samples were examined using culture, microscopy, and the germ tube identification method. The overall prevalence of Vulvo-vaginitis in HIV and healthy volunteers using urine and HVS was (32%), (34%), and (76%) and (54%) respectively. HIV recorded a higher of (76%) compared to that of healthy volunteers with (54%). There was no statistically significant difference in the two groups’ prevalence (p>0.05). The age group of 15–25 years old had the highest prevalence of (33%), while the age group of 40–45 had the highest prevalence of 80% for HIV.  HIV-positive workers and retirees had higher rates of vulvo-vaginitis in urine samples (21% and 75%, respectively) than did healthy workers and retirees (15% and 25%, respectively). Individuals with tertiary education had the highest prevalence of (32%) and (14%) in HIV and healthy volunteers respectively. It was also reported that married individuals who are HIV positive had a higher incidence of (50%) while for healthy volunteers, single individuals recorded a higher frequency of (29%). Prevalence of vulvo-vaginal candidiasis was greater in HIV patients in Port Harcourt. To help combat fungal infections, it is proposed that antifungal medications be added to antiretroviral medications prescribed to HIV patients.