Background Candida
albicans is one of the most important etiological agents causing
vaginal candidiasis in pregnant womem. The aim of this study was to
investigate whether there are significant relations between C. albicans
genotypes and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) conditions such as (
intense vulval pruritus, erythema, burning and dyspareunia associated
with a creamy discharge age), residence and predisposing factors such as
( presence of vaginal candidiasis at pregnancy, prolonged
administration of antibiotics, tight clothes, and no predisposing
factor).
Methods This study was conducted during the period from May 2010 to
November 2010, The subjects of the study were pregnant women with
vaginal candidiasis from Jenin area. A total of 104 isolates of C.
albicans were isolated from 104 pregnant women with vaginal candidiasis.
Patients were divided into groups according to the VVC conditions such
as (intense vulval pruritus, erythema, burning and dyspareunia
associated with a creamy discharge age), age, place of residence and
predisposing factors. Genotypes were identified using polymerase chain
reactions (PCR) targeting 25S rDNA and ALT repeat sequences of the RPS.
Results Fourteen genotypes were detected. Significant relation was
found between genotypes and the VVC conditions such as ( intense vulval
pruritus, erythema, burning and dyspareunia associated with a creamy
discharge age), and patients age. However, no significant relation was
found between genotypes and place of residence or predisposing factors.
We found that genotype A (62.5%) had the highest frequency on the basis
of amplification of 25SrDNA, while genotype IV (42.3%) had the highest
frequency on the basis of amplification of RPS , and genotype A-IV
(26%) had the highest frequency on the basis of amplification of 25S
rDNA and RPS.
Conclusion A significant association exists between genotypes of VVC
strains and VVC conditions such as (intense vulval pruritus, erythema,
burning and dyspareunia associated with a creamy discharge age), and
patients age groups in this study. On the others hand, the genotypes of
VVC strains were not related to predisposing factors or patients
residence. Differences in genotype distribution between our results and
other studies, may be attributed to differences in study populations,
demographic characteristics and geographical locations.