Vulvovaginal Candidiasis at Institute Pasteur of Dakar, Senegal: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (CVV) is a superficial mycosis caused by Candida spp. with a predominance of C. albicans. CVV is opportunistic with several incriminated risk factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CVV and to investigate potential risk factors.

A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Medical Biology Laboratory in Pasteur Institute in Dakar, Senegal from September 1 to November 30, 2020. The study cohort was inclusive of all women received for a vaginal swab test in the laboratory unit. Each patient’s socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded before collecting two swabs samples for direct examination and culture on CHROMagar Candida incubated at 37 °C for 24 to 48 h.

A total of 312 women with an average age of 32 years (range: 17-74) were included in this study. An overall CVV prevalence of 32% was found. C. albicans was predominant (73.2%) followed by C. glabrata (16.8%). The age group [30-40 years] was more infested with 35.3% (p = 0.434) as well as nulliparous or primiparous women with 38.7% (p = 0.171). CVV was more associated with disordered vaginal flora and pregnancy with 35.2% (p = 0.323) and 33.7% (p = 0.715) respectively. CVV was significantly related to contraception (p = 0.014).

An overall high prevalence of CVV was observed mainly due to C. albicans. Contraception seems to be a factor contributing to its occurrence.