ABSTRACT

Vulvovaginal candidiasis, involving the vulva and vagina of women, is a frequent condition that causes physical and psychological distress to the individual involved. This disease is mostly caused by Candida albicans. This study assessed the incidence of candidiasis among single and married women of different age groups. Hundred (100) samples were collected and analyzed. The identification and confirmation of Candida was done based on culture, microscopy and biochemical tests. 30(54.5%) were infected with candidiasis among the single women and 25(55.5%) were infected among the married women out of the number examined from singles (55) and from married (45). Among the different age groups, women aged between 23 - 27 years presented the highest level of infection of 13(41%) out of the 32 samples examined from this age group among the single women and 11(73%) out of the 15 samples examined from this age group among married women. The lowest infection rate was seen among single women aged 33 years and above with a percentage of 100% (2 positive samples) out of the 2 women examined from this age group. Among the married women, the lowest infectiob rate was observed among those aged between 18 and 22 years with a percentage of 50% (1 positive sample) out of the 2 samples examined. This study shows that the incidence of Candida albicans infection in women is quite high and can be reduced if improved personal hygiene and adequate medical services are available.  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgements iv

Table of contents v

List of tables vii

Abstract viii

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Aims and Objectives of the Study 3

1.2 Scope of the Study 3

1.3 Statement of Problem 3

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW 5

2.1 Vulvovaginal Candidiasis 6

2.1.1 Causes of Vulvuvaginal Candidiasis 6

2.2 Pathogenesis of Candida albicans 7

2.2.1 Transmission 7

2.2.2 Infectious dose, Incubation and Colonization 7

2.3 Virulence Factors 8

2.3.1 Polymorphism 8

2.3.2 Adhesins 8

2.3.3 Invasins 9

2.3.4 Biofilm Formation 9

2.3.5 Secreted Hydrolases 10

2.3.6 Metabolic Adaption 10

2.4 Signs and Symptoms of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis 11

2.5 Predisposing Factors to Vulvovaginal Candidiasis 11

2.6 Diagnosis of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis 12

2.7 Treatment and Prevention 14

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY 17

3.1 Population of the Study 17

3.2 Preparation of Culture Media 17

3.3 Sample Collection 17

3.4 Isolation and Identification of Candida 17

3.4.1 Microbiological Analyses 17

3.4.2 Biochemical tests 18

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS 20

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION 30

REFERENCES 32