Distribution of Candida species among HIV-positive patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis in Accra, Ghana

Francis Kwamin; Nii Otu Nartey; Francis S Codjoe; Mercy J Newman

doi:10.3855/jidc.2442

Distribution of Candida species among HIV-positive patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis in Accra, Ghana

Authors

Francis Kwamin University of Ghana Dental School, Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
Nii Otu Nartey University of Ghana Dental School, Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
Francis S Codjoe School of Allied Health Sciences
Mercy J Newman University of Ghana Medical School, Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.2442

Keywords:

OPC, HIV/AIDS, candidiasis, resource-limited countries

Abstract

Introduction: Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a common occurrence in the course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression. Changes in the clinical severity of oropharyngeal candidiasis and type of Candida species profile may be a reflection of immunological changes in patients. The aim of this study was to undertake a baseline Candida species identification for future reference.

Methodology: Oral swabs of 267 HIV-infected patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis were cultured and Candida species were identified by API 32 C.

Results: A total of 201 (75.3%) Candida species and 10 (3.7%) non candida fungi were identified. Twenty different Candida species were isolated. Candida albicans was the most prevalent species (68.5%) followed by C. tropicalis (7.4%), C. krusei (6.4%), C. parapsilosis (3.0%) and C. sake (2.5%). Other species ranged from 0.5% to 1.5%.

Positive culture was independent of whether patients were on anti-retroviral therapy or not.

Conclusion: Of all Candida isolates, 68.5% were identified as C. albicans. Since other uncommon species were also isolated, it may be necessary in this group of patients to identify Candida species causing severe infections.

Author Biographies

Francis Kwamin, University of Ghana Dental School, Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana

Lecturer, Oral Medicine

Dept of Oral Pathology/Oral Medicine

Univ. of Ghana Dental School

Nii Otu Nartey, University of Ghana Dental School, Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana

Professor and Lecturer, Oral Pathology

Dept. of Oral Pathology/Oral Medicine

University of Ghana Dental School

Francis S Codjoe, School of Allied Health Sciences

Lecturer, Microbiology

School of Allied Health Sciences

Mercy J Newman, University of Ghana Medical School, Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana

Professor, Microbiology

Department of Microbiology

University of Ghana Medical School

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Published

2013-01-15

How to Cite

Kwamin F, Nartey NO, Codjoe FS, Newman MJ (2013) Distribution of Candida species among HIV-positive patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis in Accra, Ghana. J Infect Dev Ctries 7:041–045. doi: 10.3855/jidc.2442

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Issue

Vol. 7 No. 01: January 2013

Section

Original Articles

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