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[Multifocal fungal infections in pregnant women]

D Nowakowska1, A Kurnatowska, J Wilczyński

  • 1Instytut Centrum Zdrowia Matki Polki w Lodzi, Klinika Medycyny Matczyno-Płodowej, 93 - 338 Lódź, Rzgowska 281/289.

Wiadomosci Parazytologiczne
|August 11, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections are common in pregnant women, with nearly half showing fungal presence. Most infections were multifocal, affecting multiple sites like the vagina, oral cavity, and rectum.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Obstetrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Fungal infections, particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis, are prevalent in pregnant women.
  • Understanding the distribution and patterns of fungal colonization is crucial for maternal and infant health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the prevalence of fungal infections in pregnant women.
  • To differentiate between monofocal and multifocal fungal infections across various anatomical sites.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 251 pregnant women.
  • Fungal presence was assessed in vaginal, oral, and rectal samples.
  • Analysis of infection patterns: monofocal, bifocal, and trifocal.

Main Results:

  • Fungal strains were recovered from 49.2% of pregnant women.
  • Vaginal fungal presence was linked to oral and/or rectal colonization in 98% of cases.
  • Trifocal infections (vagina-oral-rectum) were most common (58.5%), followed by bifocal infections.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal infections in pregnant women are frequently multifocal, extending beyond the vagina.
  • The high prevalence of trifocal infections highlights the need for comprehensive screening and management strategies.

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