Candidiasis among pregnant women: A review

Candidiasis is a fungal disease caused by Candida species which is predominantly common in immune-compromised individuals and in pregnant women as well. Candida species are known causative agents of vaginal Candidiasis in pregnant women. Studies have shown that women in their 3rd trimester and multi-gravidae women are more commonly affected. Candida is the normal flora of human body but antibiotic over use, HIV/AIDS, diabetics, pregnancy, steroids and some cancer medications and contraceptive pills are predisposing factors to develop Candidiasis. Candidiasis has worldwide distribution. Candida species use several virulence factors that contribute to its pathogenesis such as adhesion, enzyme production, hyphal formation and biofilm formation. High prevalence of Candidiasis in pregnant women is associated with elevation of reproductive hormones which in turn impairs the immune response to pathogens including Candida species. Candidiasis has different clinical manifestations these are pruritis, thick crude/cheese like vaginal discharge, itching, redness, burning, swelling and pain during walking and urination. These clinical manifestations are the base for diagnosis of Candidiasis in pregnant women. In addition to clinical diagnosis, microscopy, culture and new molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rRNA gene clone library can be used for the diagnosis of Candidiasis. Seven days topical antifungal application is effective and safe for the treatment of Candidiasis in pregnant women.