Detection of Candida albicans in the screening of cervical cancer in rural population of Lucknow

Background

Study of Candidal infection is very essential in rural women who being illiterate and financially weak are not aware of personal genital hygiene and thus harbour persistent vaginal infections due to poor availability of medical amenities.

Method

Rural cervical cancer screening is in progress in the western region of Lucknow, India since May 2013 through camp approach and till date, a total of 2949 women have been cytologically examined. Candidal infection has been observed in the 143 cervical smears of women and  findings have been analyzed in relation to the different predisposing factor of cervical carcinogenesis.

Result

The incidence of Candida albicans seen in cervical smears of the total 2949 women examined was found to be 4.8% which is much higher than in their urban counterparts (1.2%). The Candida was seen more in the inflammatory smears (9.4%) and those showing squamous intraepithelial lesions of cervix (SIL). –  (8.2%). The fungus was found more prevalent in the reproductive age group and women complaining of vaginal discharge and was result of persistent vaginal infections in the rural women which should be treated.  The Candida was commonly seen in erosion cervix cases but its incidence was high in women with cervicitis and cervix bleeds on touch.

Conclusions

This persistent  vaginal infections were seen in the illiterate and poor rural women who are not aware of personal genital hygiene. There is a need to create awareness for personal genital hygiene through health workers for making any cancer screening program meaningful and successful.