Abstract

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is a female genital system infection that occurs due toCandida species. It is estimated that as many as 75% of women experience at least one episode of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis during the lifetime. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rate of Vaginal Candidiasis infection in diabetic women referred to Kermanshah Diabetes Research Center (KDRC), Iran, in 2010. This descriptive – analytic study was performed on 100 diabetic women referred to Kermanshah Diabetes Research Center in 2010. All specimens were examined under direct microscopy and cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). Complimentary tests such as germ tube test and sugar assimilation test (API) were carried out to differentiate the Candida species. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test was performed for positive cases. Patients’ information was collected by a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. Of 100 samples under experiment, 12% (12 cases) in direct microscopy test and 20% (20 cases) by cultivation on SDA were infected to vaginal candidiasis. The frequencies of the isolated Candida species include Candida albicans with 62/5% (20 cases), Candida glabrata with 18/7% (6 cases), Candida tropicalis with 9/4% (3 cases) and Candida parapsilosis with 9/4% (3 cases). Vulvovaginal candidiasis was more prevalent in women without blood glucose level control than ones with blood glucose level control. C. albicans was, by far, the most predominant yeast isolate. The culture of vaginal discharge should be warranted because culture technique is more sensitive than direct smear.

Key words: Vaginal candidiasis, women and diabetes.