Candidiasis Opportunistic Mycosis within Nigeria: A Review

Abstract

Candidiasis as a disease is sometimes synonymous with woman folk and most human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. But the disease generally has no border, as it affects males, females, old, young, and middle-aged persons. Environmental changes encourage overgrowth of the opportunistic pathogens Candida spp. The review aimed to assess different presentations of diseases due to Candida species in some states in Nigeria, covering Northwest, South-west, South-south, and South-eastern parts of the country. Data was obtained through a literature search of work from previous researchers. It was observed based on the review that candidiasis is a factor of many different species of the genus Candida but Candida albicans is the predominant cause of the illness, with other non-albicans Candida, contributing the remaining percentage. It was also discovered that HIV infection, pregnancy, diabetes, abuse of antibiotics, and generally immunocompromised status are among the predisposing factors of the disease. It was also discovered that the age group of 20-30, which is an active age group in women, is more prone to candidiasis.