Epidemiologic characteristics and drug susceptibility profile associated with fungal diseases in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Ikrama, Hassan; Chuku, Aleruchi; Orole, Olukayode Olugbenga

doi:10.21608/mid.2023.247938.1661

Epidemiologic characteristics and drug susceptibility profile associated with fungal diseases in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nigeria

10.21608/mid.2023.247938.1661

Abstract

Background: Fungal infections have become a pressing issue in global health due to their persistence and the emergence of resistant strains. The study determined the epidemiology and drug susceptibility profile associated with fungal diseases in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Methods: Samples of hair, nails, skin, and vaginal and cervical specimens were collected from patients, fungi isolated and identified and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern determined. Results: Fungal infections were highest among urban dwellers (61.8%) and students (69.5%) respectively. Aspergillus species among isolated genera Candida, Epidermophyton, Trichophyton and Mucor had the highest prevalence (50.8%). Hair samples had the highest number of fungi with 97 species, while sputum samples had the highest incidence of Aspergillus species 72(97.3%). Ketoconazole was the most effective antifungal with 70(52.6%) Aspergillus species, 32(62.7%) Candida species, and 10 (45.5%) Trichophyton species susceptible to the antibiotic, while itraconazole was the most resisted with 86(64.7%) Aspergillus, 16(72.7%) Trichophyton and 14(70.0%) Mucor species resisting the antibiotic. Conclusion: Fungal infections were prevalent among children and young adults in the study area with skin surface having higher fungal carriage compared with any other body parts. Aspergillus genera followed by Candida species are the two most implicated fungal species.

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