International Research Journal of Environment Sciences________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414 Vol. 3(4), 101-104, April (2014) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 101 The Incidence and Prevalence of Candida albicans infection of the urogenital tract of females between the ages of 18 and 45 years old: A Case study of Patients receiving treatment in Ashford and Patrice clinic in Port Harcourt Onianwah I.F. Rexall Research Services, Port Harcourt, NIGERIA Available online at: www.isca.in, www.isca.me Received 7 th March 2014, revised 23 rd March 2014, accepted 20 th April 2014 Abstract The incidence and prevalence of Candida albicans infection of females urogenital tract in Port Harcourt Urban area is quite high representing 18.9% of women investigated. It is more of an infection of those queried for urogenital tract infection than in pregnant and diabetic women, with a recorded 10.3%, 5.6% and 3.0% respectively. It was equally found to be high in sexually active women within the ages of 18 and 35. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) carried out on the various treatment options (i.e UTI, Pregnancy and diabetes) showed no significant difference at 95% probability level with respect to Candida albicans infection. Besides, antibiotics treatment also enhances the proliferation of the yeast. The incidence and prevalence of the infection was quite high but can be reduced in Port Harcourt Urban with an improved personal hygiene and adequate medical services available. Keywords: Incidence, Prevalence, Candidaalbicans, urogenital tract and infection. Introduction The Candida Albicans infection is a yeast infection of the mouth, skin and urogenital tract of men and women, young and old. It is the genus mostly incriminated in candidiasis of the urogenital tract. Other species of Candida incriminated in this disease condition are Candida tropicalis, Candida stellatoides, Candida parapsilosis and Candida crusei. According to report of the centre for disease control and prevention, in 2001, there are more than twenty (20) species of genius Candida that can caused infection in human. The distribution of Candida albicans is widely in normal and healthy individuals, and is usually found in mouth, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts of females where they exist as normal flora. Yeast infections usually occur in warm and moist parts of the body 1 . It flourishes in individuals with high blood sugar 2 , and can also be found in other dark areas of the body. Clothing that is too tight or made of nylon materials that can trap heat and moisture may lead to yeast infection 3 . Other predisposing factors such as pregnancy, diabetes, broad- spectrum antibiotics therapy 4,5 , administration of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs, drug addiction and immunological deficiencies support the growth of Candida 6-10 . Besides, systematic conditions such as vitamin B deficiency, hypothyroidism and lymphoblastoma favours Candida infection 11-13 . From the fore going, it is evident that the treatment of other infections with broad spectrum antibiotics increases the number of persons habouring Candida in their intestine, vagina and perianal sites 13-16 . The effect of antibiotics on proliferation of Candidais based on the fact that these drugs militate against susceptible microflora antagonistic to the fungi 17 , thereby enhancing their growth. Traumatic ulceration, postoperative situations, malnutrition, malignancy and aneamia also predisposes Candidiasis. Candida albicans infection manifests in different parts of the body. In the vagina are found,itching, redness and a thick white vaginal discharge with occasional white patches on the skin of the vaginal area 18 . The irritation from vaginal Candidiasis is responsible for the physical discomfort experienced by some patients. The offensive vaginal discharge is a product of organic decomposition of the proteinous component on the vaginal mucosa. Vaginal Candidiasis of pregnant women may occur as mild vaginal infection and may not be connected with infection of the anus. Vaginal and vulva Candidiasisis also found at high frequency among sexually active people hence, the choice of the age bracket under study. Accordingly, as a girl matures, hormonal changes takes place making them more vulnerable to Candida infection 19 . Prevention of Candidiasis can be by employing the use of unscented bath soaps, lotions, laundry detergents and gels. It is suggested that less fragrance free bath and cleansing products can be used 17,19 . This research focused on the incidence and prevalence of Candida albicans infectiomn of the urogenital tract of female of