Prevalência de Candida SPP. na microbiota vaginal de mulheres atendidas no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS)

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Candida spp. from the real-time PCR (qPCR) technique and describe the most frequently encountered signs and symptoms. Methodology: Cross-sectional study, carried out from August 2021 to September 2022, with women assisted in the Unified Health System (SUS) who underwent the speculum examination and collection of cytopathological in liquid medium, whose content was processed through the technique of qPCR Additionally, a sample of the vaginal smear was submitted to Gram staining and subsequent investigation of fungal structures by optical microscopy. Sociodemographic information and clinical history were obtained from a standardized questionnaire. The analysis of the relationship between the variables was performed using the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, with a significance level of 5%. Results: 144 participants were included in the study, with a prevalent age group between 18 and 45 years (51.4%), with education less than or equal to 9 years of study, who have a job and who reside in municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul different from the city of Passo Fundo. Regarding behavioral habits and clinical history, women who do not smoke or who are ex-smokers and who use some contraceptive method prevailed. The positivity for Candida spp. in qPCR was 26.4%.Conclusion: The prevalence of Candida spp. is high and its main symptoms are pruritus, leucorrhoea and dyspareunia. The main factors related to the presence of the fungus are related to the use of contraceptive methods and the presence of diabetes mellitus.