PREVALENCE OF VULVO-VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS AND TRICHOMONIASIS AMONG REPRODUCTIVE AGE WOMEN ATTENDING SELECTED PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN OWERRI, IMO STATE.

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and trichomoniasis are common genital infections among reproductive age women. A study was examining the incidence of vaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis among young girls attending a selected hospital in Owerri. A hospital cross-sectional study recruited 150 women with genital discomforts after obtaining their informed written consent between February and April 2025 structured questionnaires were administered and high vaginal swabs (HVS) specimens were collected using standard aseptic procedures for laboratory examination. Identification of Candida involved direct microscopic examination using potassium hydroxide preparation, culture on Sabouraud Dextrose agar plates and germ tube testing while trichomoniasis was examined using saline wet mount microscopy.  The result was analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine the prevalence of each infection, age specific distribution and occurrence of co-infection.  Out of the 150 specimen, 148 (98.6%) participants examined with one or more vaginal infections, 83 (58.1%) were positive for vulvovaginal candidiasis while 60(41.9%) were positive trichomoniasis. The highest prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis was observed among women aged 21 – 25 age group, trichomoniasis as well recorded most prevalence among the same age group. Co-infection with both recorded in 86 (57.6%). The finding highlights the occurrence of vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis among women of reproductive age. This study has showed that vulvovaginal candidiasis is a major cause of genital infection and trichomoniasis among the other as well and which revealed associated risk factors. Therefore, there is a need to intensify health education and community awareness programs on sexually transmitted infections particularly trichomoniasis.