Research shows high candidiasis rate in Tanzania

SUNDAY NEWS Reporter

EIGHTY per cent of women who have reached reproduction age in the country have yeast infections (candidiasis), according to findings of a survey conducted by the School of Health Sciences (SoHS) of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).

The health condition, according to health journals, has largely affected women in the 14-to-49 age group. Candidiasis is a fungal infection due to any type of Candida (a type of yeast). When it affects the mouth, it is commonly called thrush.

Signs and symptoms include white patches on the tongue or other areas of the mouth and throat. When it affects a woman’s private parts, it is commonly called yeast infection. Signs and symptoms include genital itching, burning, and sometimes a white ‘cottage cheese-like’ discharge.

Mr Donath Damian, a research scientist at the SoHS told the ‘Sunday News’ recently that the research, which started two years ago has revealed that each patient has more than four species of candida yeast - candida; albicans, tropicalis, norvegensis and crusei.

"The species forms gem tubes which later extract nutrients and proteins from the host tissues," he said. "They produce proteinses enzymes that destroy human's immune."

Mr Damian, who is also assistant lecturer at the university, explained that yeast infection can cause itching in the genital and for a while pain and odor during urine and or having sex.

The fungal infection, according to the scientist is a result of poor hygiene, use of condom and excessive taking antibiotics, which change the balance of lactobacillus acidophilus - common bacteria which help keep other organisms like yeast under control.

“The infections are also caused by high estrogen levels resulting from pregnancy and related health problems, including HIV infection and diabetes,” he added.

The scientist warned that a prolonged yeast infection can cause heart, lung, river and kidney health complications. Other related problems include oral trash, moniliasis and the most common one - Urinary Tract Infections (UTI).

According to health experts yeast infection can be prevented through eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and non-fat dairy products.

They said some women think that eating foods with lactobacillus organisms, such as yogurt or acidophilus milk, will help prevent yeast infections. So far there is no evidence for this connection. But eating foods that contain lactobacillus can be part of a healthy diet.

Yeast infection can also be prevented through good control of blood sugar levels that decreases the risk of infection and through avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics because they can change the normal balance of vaginal organisms, allowing excess growth of yeast.