ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF CANDIDA ALBICANS IN THE URINE OF PREGNANT WOMEN AT THE NEGLASARI COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE

Abstract

Candida albicans is one of the major causes of vulvovaginal candidiasis, a common fungal infection among pregnant women due to hormonal changes and decreased immune function during pregnancy. If left untreated, this infection may lead to adverse maternal and fetal health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the presence of Candida albicans in the urine of pregnant women at the Neglasari Community Health Center. This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 10 urine samples were collected from pregnant women in the second and third trimesters. Isolation was performed using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium, followed by microscopic identification using Lactophenol Cotton Blue (LPCB) staining and confirmation with the Germ tube test. Of the 10 urine samples examined, 2 samples (20%) were positive for Candida albicans, while 8 samples (80%) were negative. Both positive samples were obtained from pregnant women in the second trimester, whereas no Candida albicans was detected in samples from third-trimester pregnant women. Candida albicans was detected in 20% of urine samples collected from pregnant women at the Neglasari Community Health Center. Positive cases were found only among second-trimester pregnant women, indicating a higher occurrence in this group than in third-trimester pregnant women