Characterization of Candida Species Isolated from Clinical Samples in a Tertiary Health Facility in Bida, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Candida characterization is important for the management of candidiasis, helpful in understanding the epidemiology of infection particularly the source and mode of transmission and facilitates the development of effective measures to prevent and control transmission of resistant strains. This study was carried out to identify the most common Candida species and distribution of Candida albicans and non albicans Candida species in clinical specimen in Bida. Samples were processed according to standard mycological techniques. Isolation of the fungus was done using Sabouraud dextrose agar. Microscopy was done on wet preparation using Lacto phenol cotton blue. Candida isolates were sub-cultured for speciation using Chrom agar Candida.  A total of 204 Candida isolates were studied, Candida was mainly isolated from high vaginal swab (HVS) 50.5%, urine 25.0%, endocervical swab 15.7% and ear swab 8.8%. Candida albicans was the most common species isolated (53.9%), followed by Candida tropicalis 31.4% and 7.4% for Candida krusei and Candida glabata respectively. There was statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between age, gender and Candida species distribution. Candida albican had the highest frequency of 53 (51.5%) in HVS, our study showed higher prevalence in HVS which confirms higher prevalence of vulvo-vaginal candidiasis in female of reproductive age group of 20-39 years in Bida. There was a statistical significant difference (P < 0.001) between Candida species distribution among out patients and in patients with high out patients preponderance of candidiasis of 159 out of 204. Speciation of Candida is important to identify the incidence and trends of Candida infections in a given population, our study reaffirms the prevalence of Candida albicans in Bida.