Prevalence of Candida Species in Vaginal Swabs of Women with Vaginal Discharge at a Health Centre in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is one of the most common causes of vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age and is associated with significant discomfort and recurrent infection if not adequately managed. This study determined the prevalence and species distribution of Candida in vaginal swabs from women presenting with vaginal discharge at a primary health centre in Jos, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 consenting women aged 18 to 45 years. High vaginal swabs were collected aseptically and inoculated onto Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol and incubated at 37 degrees Celsius for 48 to 72 hours. Colonies were identified morphologically and by germ tube test, cornmeal agar morphology, and CHROMagar Candida. An overall Candida prevalence of 36.1% was recorded. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species at 63.1%, followed by Candida glabrata at 18.5% and Candida tropicalis at 10.8%. Pregnancy, recent antibiotic use, and diabetes were significantly associated with candidal infection. Fluconazole resistance was detected in 14.3% of non-albicans isolates. The findings underscore the need for routine mycological culture in women with vaginal discharge rather than reliance on clinical diagnosis alone, and the importance of antifungal sensitivity testing to guide treatment, particularly in cases of recurrent infection or treatment failure. Keywords: vulvovaginal candidiasis, Candida albicans, vaginal discharge, antifungal resistance, Plateau State