Research Key

PREVALENCE OF GENITAL CANDIDIASIS AMONG WOMEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE

Project Details

Department
MICROBIOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY
Project ID
BIO09
Price
5000XAF
International: $20
No of pages
35
Instruments/method
QUANTITATIVE
Reference
YES
Analytical tool
DESCRIPTIVE
Format
 MS Word & PDF
Chapters
1-5

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction

Genital candidiasis locally referred to as yeast infection or Vulvo Vaginal Candidiasis is a common genital tract infection that affects the quality of life in many women. It is caused by overgrowth of a fungus that normally lives in the genitals called Candida. Most women experience a yeast infection at least once during their lifetime. Genital candidiasis is most commonly caused by Candida albicans but other species of Candida such as Candida glabarata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis are emerging.

Puberty causes increased levels of progesterone and estrogen. Progesterone suppresses the ability of neutrophils to combat Candida and estrogen disrupts the integrity of the vaginal epithelial cells against pathogens like Candida and decreases immunoglobulin in vaginal secretions. Treatment is directed at symptom relief and topical imidazole is the most commonly recommended.

Candida causes genital inflammation and irritation which represent a major health problem especially in women of child bearing ages since they are more prone to infection due to physiological and anatomical changes occurring in their systems.

A majority of women of child bearing ages present with at least one episode of Vaginal Candidiasis of which about half have at least one recurrence (Simones et al 2020). Due to the increasing number of women who present complains of vaginal discomfort and discharges during child bearing ages, the research will be done to provide possible solutions to reduce the impact of this disease.

The objective of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude, practice and factors associated with Genital Candidiasis among women of child bearing ages. The rationale is to put more emphasis on the importance of proper diagnosis of Genital Candidiasis so as to help in the Global fight against candida infection especially in pregnant women.

At the end of this study, the knowledge, attitude, risk factors and practice towards Genital Candidiasis in women of child bearing ages will be known. The results from this study will be expected to accept or reject the research hypothesis

1.2 Background

Candidiasis is one of the most opportunistic yeast infections in the world. Fungi of the genus Candida are commensals usually found colonizing the skin, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracks. The presence of any genital tract infection in women during child bearing ages raises a lot of concerns because of the threat to their well-being. Early detection is thus important because maternal physiological alterations may hamper the diagnosis and management of the infection (Judal et al, 2018).

Genital candidiasis is an inflammation of the vagina and/or vulva in the presence of Candida species and in the absence of any other etiological agent. It is a common infection affecting the quality of life of many women. It is estimated that around 75% of all women experience at least one episode of genital candidiasis during their childbearing years, of which about half have at least one recurrence (Landers et al, 2020).

Symptoms are thought to be caused by an overgrowth of yeast and its penetration of genital epithelial cells. With the introduction of antifungal agents, the causes of Candida infections shifted from an almost complete predominance of C. albicans to the common involvement of non-albicans sp. These non-albicans Candida (NAC)

species tend to be resistant to conventional anti-fungal drugs and are thus responsible for persistent infections (Okonkwo et al, 2020).
Risk factors for genital candidiasis include sexual activity, recent antibiotic use, pregnancy, and immune-suppression from such conditions as poorly controlled HIV infection or diabetes. The main reservoir for Candida is thought to be the rectum, but vaginal colonization is also common. Genital candidiasis is not a reportable disease and is often diagnosed without confirmatory tests and most often treated empirically, and thus the exact incidence is unknown (Vijaya D et al 2020).
The relationship between pregnancy and genital candidiasis (GC) indicates that increase in gestational hormones results in alteration of the pH of the vagina and increases a woman’s risk of developing GC. (Fanelloa S et al, 2020).

 Complications of untreated VVC in pregnancy include chorioamnitis, abortion, preterm delivery and congenital infection in the neonate. Other complications in the non-pregnant woman include

pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, pelvic abscess, and menstrual disorders (Alcoba-Florez J et al, 2020).
I undertook this study to determine the prevalence of Genital Candidiasis among women of child bearing ages to underscore the importance of accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment of the condition.

 1.3 Statement of the Problem

Candida causes genital inflammation and irritation which represent a major health problem especially in women of child bearing ages since they are more prone to infection due to physiological and anatomical changes occurring in their systems.

This study will be very important since about 75% women of child bearing ages present with at least one episode of Vaginal Candidiasis of which about half have at least one recurrence (Simones et al 2020).

Due to the increasing number of women who present complains of vaginal discomfort and discharges during child bearing ages, the research will be done to provide possible solutions and to reduce the impact of this disease

Candidiasis can be transmitted to neonates through an infected birth canal and because of this, the study will be undertaken to determine the prevalence of this infection in women attending the RHB

1.4 Rationale \ Justification of study

Genital candidiasis is estimated to be the second most common cause of bacteria vaginitis after bacteria vaginosis. The presence of any genital tract infection in women during child bearing ages raises a lot of concerns because of the threat to their well-being (Bagg J et al, 2020).

This research will put more emphasis on the importance of proper diagnosis of Genital Candidiasis so as to help in the Global fight against candida infection especially in women of child bearing ages

This study will be important in determining the prevalence of Genital Candidiasis in women of child bearing age. To determine some risk factors influencing the transmission of candida infection  and most importantly, to add to existing and limited knowledge and data which is lacking in this area so as to better the prevention and screening policies in the North West Region and Cameroon as a whole  where genital candidiasis is rampant

The findings obtained from this study will serve as valuable data which will help to create awareness on the causes of this infectious disease and ways to curb the spread of the disease.

1.5 Research Hypothesis

  • Women of child bearing ages attending BRH have a low knowledge on the Genital Candidiasis

  • The prevalence of Genital Candidiasis among women of child bearing ages is high

  • Genital candidiasis is slightly higher in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women

1.6 Research Questions

What is the prevalence of genital candidiasis in women attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital?

What are the various risk factors, preventive measures taken against genital candidiasis and modes of transmission of the disease? 

What are the main causative agents of genital candidiasis in women?

1.7 Research Objective

1.7.1 Main Objective

To assess knowledge, attitude, practice and factors associated with Genital Candidiasis among women of child bearing ages

1.7.2 Specific Objective

Firstly, to determine the prevalence of the Candida species in women of child bearing ages in Cameroon

Also, to identify the various risk factors associated with genital candidiasis in pregnancy

Finally, to explore the various methods used in the diagnosis of genital candidiasis.

 

FURTHER READING: BIOLOGY PROJECT TOPICS WITH MATERIALS

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