PHÂN BỐ LOÀI CANDIDA SPP. TRÊN BỆNH NHÂN VIÊM ÂM HỘ - ÂM ĐẠO DO NẤM

Abstract

Objective: Determine the distribution of Candida albicans and Candida non-albicans species causing vulvovaginal candidiasis in women attending Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Vaginal discharge samples were collected from 70 women with confirmed vulvovaginal candidiasis at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology from 03/2025 to 07/2025. Direct microscopic examination with 10% KOH and culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar and CHROMagar™ Candida were performed to isolate and identify the Candida species. Results: Candida albicans was predominant (83.6%), while Candida non-albicans species included C. glabrata (9.6%), C. tropicalis (4.1%), and C. parapsilosis (2.7%). The majority of patients were aged 18–29 years (65.7%), followed by 30–39 years (18.6%), whereas the ≥50 age group accounted for only 2.9%. Most patients lived in urban areas (85.7%), used tap water as their main source of domestic water (74.3%), and had a high educational level (75.7% with a university degree). In terms of occupation, office staff, students, and freelance workers comprised the largest groups, accounting for 34.3%, 20% and 24.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Candida albicans remains the predominant causative agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis compared with Candida non-albicans species. Culture, species identification, and antifungal susceptibility surveillance are essential to guide appropriate therapeutic choices and to improve the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis in women.