Comparison of Candidal Species in Oral and Cervical Smears in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Women- A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Mucosal candidiasis which includes oropharyngeal and vaginal candidiasis, is suggested to be an early sign in immunocompromised individuals especially in HIV positive patients Aims and Objectives: To compare the frequencies of oropharyngeal and vaginal candidal colonization among HIV-seropositive women. Methods: We carried our study in 70 HIV positive women. A detailed medical history was taken. The variables recorded were age, educational status, antibiotics usage, occupation, marital status and usage of contraceptives. Oral and cervical smears were taken and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and HiCrome agar, and candidal colonies were counted. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS for Windows: IBM Corp. Version 20.0. Armonk, NY, USA. Results: Oropharyngeal candidal colonization was seen in 42 (60%) women. Candida albicans was most commonly identified (90%), followed by C tropicalis (5%) and C glabrata (3%). Vaginal colonization was identified in 38 (54%) women. C. albicans was most commonly identified (80%), followed by C. glabrata (15%) and C. tropicalis (3%). Conclusion: There were more non albicans species in vaginal smears than oral smears, suggesting dissimilar pathogenesis in both the sites.