The Prevalence of Candida Species among HIV-Positive Women in Aluu, Nigeria: A Call for Awareness
Cookey T. I.
Virus & Genomics Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Ihejirika M. O.
Virus & Genomics Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Osuala O. J.
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology & Biotechnology, Madonna University Nigeria, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Onu, E. N.
Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Medicine, Alex -Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Amadi, B. O.
Virus & Genomics Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Oketah, E. N.
Virus & Genomics Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Adim, C. C.
Virus & Genomics Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Innocent-Adiele H. C. *
Virus & Genomics Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Okonko I. O.
Virus & Genomics Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which HIV brings on, is a major public health concern. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is still a pandemic. Only 2.1% of HIV cases worldwide are recorded in Nigeria. Usually, under the control of the immune system, Candida infections may be dangerous for immunocompromised people, particularly those living with HIV/AIDS.
Aim: At the Mbodo Health Centre in Aluu, Rivers State, Nigeria, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of Candida infections and their relationship to HIV-positive patients.
Methods: Fifty HIV-positive women were chosen at random. Self-collected oral and vaginal swabs were used to gather data. To identify Candida species, biochemical testing, culture, and microscopy were used.
Results: Eighty percent of the 50 individuals had positive candidiasis tests. Oral and vaginal mono/co-candidiasis were found to be common, with Candida albicans being the most common specie. Based on demographic parameters, statistical analysis did not show a significant difference in the prevalence of oral candidiasis. The frequency of vaginal candidiasis was much greater in those with secondary education and aged 31-40 years. The age group of 31 to 40 years old had a considerably greater co-occurrence rate of oral and vaginal candidiasis. Adult female HIV-positive patients at Mbodo Health Centre have a significant prevalence of candidiasis.
Conclusion: The study sheds light on the distribution of Candida species and how demographic variables relate to them. These results highlight the significance of treating candidiasis as a serious health issue in people living with HIV. To improve overall health outcomes for HIV-positive people and reduce related risk factors, further research and treatments may be required.
Keywords: HIV, females, candida albicans, candida tropicalis, candida parapsilopsis