Antibiogram of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis amongst Pharmacy Undergraduates in a Nigerian University

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, perception, incidence and the antibiogram of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

Methods: Validated questionnaires were used to collect demographic information of consenting study participants and to test the participants’ level of knowledge and perception of VVC among pharmacy undergraduates. High-vaginal swab specimens were also collected for isolation of Candida species and speciation using standard yeast identification protocol and CHROMagar respectively.

Results: Among the 160 participants, yeasts were detected in 43.75% and 27.50% by culture and direct microscopy respectively. Having multiple sexual partners (at least two), poor vaginal hygiene and antibiotic usage were shown to significantly increase the incidence of VVC (p<0.05). Yeasts other than Candida albicans were predominant (66.67%), especially Candida tropicalis (40.00%). Although participants’ knowledge about VVC was good (80.49%), their perception was only average (54.10%). Susceptibility test showed that the isolates were susceptible to voriconazole (84.37 ± 5.70%), fluconazole (71.54 ± 7.66%) and nystatin (65.70 ± 12.33%). The commonest isolate (Candida tropicalis) was farely susceptible to voriconazole (77.00%) and fluconazole (63.00%) but resistant to nystatin (36.00%).

Conclusion: There is high prevalence of VVC despite good knowledge and average perception. Candida tropicalis was predominant in the study. Based on antibiogram, Voriconazole was the most effective drug/antibiotic and drug of choice for therapy.