BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2025 Mar 17;25(1):299. doi: 10.1186/s12884-025-07402-9.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of vaginal candidiasis and group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization among pregnant women is significant and these pathogens are associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including preterm birth, stillbirth, and neonatal infections.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the magnitude and risk factors for vaginal Candida and GBS in pregnant women who were attending antenatal care at Hawassa University Compressive Specialized Hospital from July October 2021.
METHOD: A Hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using microscopy, culture, germ tube, and biochemical tests on vaginal swab samples from 110 volunteer pregnant women. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on perceived risk factors. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22, and an odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval with p < 0.05 was used to interpret the risk factors.
RESULTS: Candida species was identified in 33 (30%) pregnant women, whereas, GBS colonization was not detected in any of them. Of the vaginal Candida species, 17 (51.52%) were Candida albicans and 16 (48.48%) were non-albicans Candida. Symptomatic vaginal candidiasis was diagnosed in only four women. The most important predictors of vaginal Candida colonization were parity of two and underwear replacement once a day.
CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, screening for vaginal candidiasis and prophylactic treatment should be considered for young, multiparous, pregnant women in their third trimester, if supported clinically.
PMID:40098138 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-025-07402-9
