Prevalence of Trichomoniasis and Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Among Married Women in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) and candida (C.) species are the most common causes of vaginal infections in reproductive-age women. T. vaginalis is a sexual protozoa parasite that causes trichomoniasis. Candida species are fungal and cause an infection in the female genital tract named candidiasis caused by several Candida species. Both microorganisms if not treated correctly may lead to many complications such as abortion, premature delivery, disorders of menstrual cycle, and infertility. The current study aimed to study the frequency of T. vaginalis and Candida species including C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. glabrata infections among females with vaginal infection in Duhok City, Kurdistan region, Iraq. About 250 vaginal swabs were collected from women that attended to the Vin Private Laboratory and 150 samples were collected from women that attended to the Arveen Private Laboratory have vaginal infections. Out of these 400 vaginal swabs samples, twenty-four samples were recorded positive for T. vaginalis by direct smear. One hundred ten samples were recorded positive for candidiasis by culturing on the Candida Chromagar. Three species of Candida were isolated including C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. glabrata, their prevalence was (60.9%., 28.25, 7.3%, and 3.6%) respectively. Vaginal infection was commonly found in the age group between 25-35 years (49.6%), followed by the group aged between 35-45 years (36.4%). Also, (3.2%) of samples were found to have a mixed infection with trichomoniasis and candidiasis. Because these two causative agents have many complications in women, therefore it is highly recommended a good control measurement to prevent or decrease vaginal infection such as health education, personal hygiene, and treatment of infected women.