Study of the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Genital Candidiasis in Cameroonian Women

Introduction: Genital candidiasis is a common fungal infection primarily affecting women. It is caused by yeasts of the genus Candida, mainly Candida albicans. This infection can lead to symptoms such as itching, burning, vaginal discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse, thereby affecting the quality of life of patients. The study examines the prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among women consulting at the Mbangassina Hospital in Cameroon. It identifies associated risk factors, including age, antibiotic use, diabetes, and oral contraceptives, and assesses the impact of the infection on the patients’ quality of life. The study also compares diagnostic methods, focusing on the accuracy of vaginal sample cultures. Methods: The study included 467 women admitted for consultation at the Hospital of Mbangassina. Demographic, clinical data, and risk factors were collected. Vaginal swabs were analyzed to determine the presence of Candida and identify specific species. Diagnostic methods included clinical examination, cultures of vaginal swabs, and rapid tests. Questionnaires were used to evaluate the impact of candidiasis on the quality of life of patients. Results: The prevalence of genital candidiasis was 20% (93 cases out of 467 women). Candida albicans was the most represented species (75%), followed by Candida glabrata (16%) and Candida tropicalis (9%). The main risk factors identified were age (20 - 40 years, OR = 2.5), use of antibiotics (OR = 3.2), diabetes (OR = 2.8), and use of oral contraceptives (OR = 2.1). The most frequent clinical symptoms were itching (81%), burning (65%), vaginal discharge (73%), and pain during sexual intercourse (48%). Cultures of vaginal swabs showed a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 95%. Patients with vaginal candidiasis showed a significantly reduced quality of life compared to non-affected patients (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Genital candidiasis is a common infection among women consulting at the Hospital of Mbangassina, with a prevalence of 20%. The main risk factors include age, use of antibiotics, diabetes, and use of oral contraceptives. Cultures of vaginal swabs are the most reliable diagnostic method. Genital candidiasis has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. These results highlight the importance of prevention and appropriate treatment of this infection to improve the quality of life of women.