Prevalence of Candida Species in Vaginal Swabs from Women Attending Ante-Natal Clinics in Kano, Kano State

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is among the most common fungal infections affecting women of reproductive age globally, with higher prevalence reported in tropical regions including Nigeria. This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and species distribution of Candida isolates obtained from vaginal swabs of pregnant women attending ante-natal clinics at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, North West Nigeria. High vaginal swabs were collected from 120 consenting participants and processed using direct wet preparation, Gram staining, and culturing on ChromAgar Candida for species differentiation. Biochemical tests including germ tube test and sugar assimilation profiles were applied to confirm species identity. Results showed an overall Candida prevalence of 42.5 percent. Candida albicans was the predominant species (68.6%), followed by C. glabrata (15.7%), C. tropicalis (9.8%), and C. krusei (5.9%). Predisposing factors such as antibiotic use, gestational age beyond 28 weeks, and HIV-positive status were significantly associated with higher isolation rates. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed reduced susceptibility to fluconazole among non-albicans Candida species. These findings indicate a considerable burden of vulvovaginal candidiasis among pregnant women in Kano and highlight the clinical relevance of species-level identification for targeted antifungal therapy. Improved antenatal screening protocols and antifungal stewardship are recommended. Keywords: vulvovaginal candidiasis, Candida albicans, pregnancy, Kano, antifungal susceptibility.