Prevalence of Candidiasis and Associated Site of Infection among HIV Patients Attending Federal Medical Center, Azare

Abstract

Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are at the greatest risk of being infected with various opportunistic infections, as their immune systems become too weak to fight against the infectious agents. Candida species are among the commonest opportunistic pathogens affecting people with weakened immune systems. Candidiasis remains the major challenge of public health importance to HIV patients. There is scarcity of information regarding the impact of Candidiasis in public health in Northeastern Nigeria, especially Bauchi State. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of Candidiasis and the associated site of infection in HIV patients. Clinical samples such as blood, urine, sputum, and oral swabs were collected from 300 HIV patients attending Federal Medical Center Azare, Bauchi State. The pathogens were isolated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and identified using Corn meal agar, Germ tube test, Chromagar Candida, Gram staining, and Lactophenol cotton blue. Four Candida species were isolated, among which Candida albicans (51%) was the most prevalent, followed by Candida glabrata (12%). The isolates colonized the oral cavity of 51.11% of the patients, making oral candidiasis the most common among the patients. Oral candidiasis is the most troublesome form of candidiasis among HIV patients and has been caused mostly by Candida albicans.