Prevalence of Candida albicans and bacterial vaginosis in asymptomatic pregnant women in South Yorkshire, United Kingdom: Outcome of a prospective study

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and age distribution of Candida albicans and bacterial vaginosis in asymptomatic pregnant women. Method: One thousand and seventy-three (1,073) consecutive women who attended the antenatal clinic at Barnsley District General Hospital, Barnsley, UK, over a 15-month period were studied. Endo-cervical and high vaginal swabs for Candida albicans were obtained. Results: Sixty-five percent (65%) were in the age group of 21-30 years, and the smallest group was of age 40 years and above. Maternal age of all the women was 25.8 years (SD 5.5) with a range of 33. Prevalence of Candida albicans was 12.5%, and the highest percentage of 65.7% (88 patients) was in the age group of 21-30 years. Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 3.54%, with almost 90% among the age group of 21-30 years. Conclusion: Prevalence of Candida albicans and bacteria vaginosis among asymptomatic pregnant women was 12.5 and 3.54%, respectively. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.