Vulvovaginal candidiasis: Etiology, symptomatology and risk factors.
OBJECTIVE
To determine epidemiological, clinical and mycological characteristics of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in Tunisian population and to evaluate predisposing factors.


METHODS
In this retrospective study, 2160 vaginal swabs were performed over 2 years (January 2014-December 2015). It was carried out at the laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Rabta Hospital in Tunisia. After swab collecting, direct examination and culture on Sabouraud Chloramphenicol and Sabouraud Chloramphenicol Actidione media were implemented to research yeasts. Then identifying of yeast species was through chlamydosporulation test and auxanogram. For each patient, a questionnaire was filled noting age, medical and surgical history, symptoms and risk factors. Statistical analysis of data was performed on SPSS 16 using Khi2test, P<0.05 was considered significant.


RESULTS
Direct examination was positive showed spore and/or pseudohypha in 24.72%. Candida albicans was isolated most frequently (76.61%) followed by Candida glabrata (17.18%). The maximum frequency of Candida-positive cultures was in 25-34 years old age group. Leucorrhea was the most common symptom (72.25%) followed by vulvar prurits (63.23%), dyspareunia (32.25%) and urinary burning (24.92%). Only pregnancy was correlated positively with VVC.


CONCLUSIONS
It appears from our study that VVC is relatively common in Tunisia. His diagnosis results from confrontation of anamnestic, clinical and mycological data. The knowledge of risk factors and their correction would be necessary to prevent the occurrence of VVC, especially in its recurrent form.
Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Rabta Hospital, Jabbari street, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia. Electronic address: mtibaalatifa@yahoo.fr.
L
L
Mtibaa
Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Rabta Hospital, Jabbari street, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia.
N
N
Fakhfakh
Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Rabta Hospital, Jabbari street, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia.
A
A
Kallel
Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Rabta Hospital, Jabbari street, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia.
S
S
Belhadj
Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Rabta Hospital, Jabbari street, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia.
N
N
Belhaj Salah
Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Rabta Hospital, Jabbari street, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia.
N
N
Bada
Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Rabta Hospital, Jabbari street, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia.
K
K
Kallel
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D016533:Mycological Typing Techniques; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014416:Tunisia / Q000453:epidemiology; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D055815:Young Adult
D000935:Antifungal Agents
Candida; Candidose vulvovaginale; Facteurs de risque; Risk factors; Tunisia; Tunisie; Vulvovaginal candidiasis