Introduction: Recent research highlights the global challenge of Candida infections among adults, necessitating comprehensive understanding. Investigating prevalence and risk factors of vaginal candidiasis (VC) in pregnancy versus non-pregnancy aims to contribute insights into this common fungal infection’s epidemiology and its implications for maternal health. Methods: It was a prospective research conducted in GSL Medical College. Pregnant women aged > 18 years were considered in the test and non pregnant women in control group. Collection of vaginal swab, microscopic examination, culture were practised as per the guidelines. For analysis, Chi square test was used, P<0.005 was considered to be significant. Results: In this study 174 participants, evenly divided into test and control groups, the mean ages were similar. VC incidence was 31.6%, with 19.5% in the test and 12% in the control group, showing no significant difference. Candida albicans predominated, with a 10:1 ratio of non-albicans species. Conclusion: This study found a comparable incidence of VC between pregnant and non-pregnant groups, suggesting pregnancy status may not significantly influence VC risk. Candida albicans predominated among isolated species. Further research is warranted to elucidate VC’s multifactorial etiology and optimize preventive strategies.

Introduction: Recent research highlights the global challenge of Candida infections among adults, necessitating comprehensive understanding. Investigating prevalence and risk factors of vaginal candidiasis (VC) in pregnancy versus non-pregnancy aims to contribute insights into this common fungal infection’s epidemiology and its implications for maternal health. Methods: It was a prospective research conducted in GSL Medical College. Pregnant women aged > 18 years were considered in the test and non pregnant women in control group. Collection of vaginal swab, microscopic examination, culture were practised as per the guidelines. For analysis, Chi square test was used, P<0.005 was considered to be significant. Results: In this study 174 participants, evenly divided into test and control groups, the mean ages were similar. VC incidence was 31.6%, with 19.5% in the test and 12% in the control group, showing no significant difference. Candida albicans predominated, with a 10:1 ratio of non-albicans species. Conclusion: This study found a comparable incidence of VC between pregnant and non-pregnant groups, suggesting pregnancy status may not significantly influence VC risk. Candida albicans predominated among isolated species. Further research is warranted to elucidate VC’s multifactorial etiology and optimize preventive strategies.