The Prevalence of Symptomatic Vaginal Candidiasis Among Females in Tehran, 2014

Background: Vaginitis is the most commongynecological problem and the second mostcommon infection. This condition occurs in approximately 90% of the affected females; secondary to bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis. Objectives: According to the high prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis in Iran and because of the importance of controlling causing species, the current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of symptomatic vaginal candidiasis among females referred to the hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran in 2014. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 580 females suspected of vulvovaginal candidiasis were selected by simple random sampling. In lithotomy position and after using sterile speculum without lubrication a fluid sample was obtained from the upper part of the lateral wall of the vagina and the samples were cultured on agar medium. All samples were examined by the same gynecologist. Results: The prevalence of vaginal candidiasis was 15.5% and Candida albicans was observed in 92.3% of the subjects. Conclusions: Candida albicans was the most common cause of vaginal candidiasis. Keywords: Prevalence, Vaginal Candidiasis, Candida albicans