The spectrum and enzymatic activities of Candida isolates recovered from HIV/AIDS patients in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Candida is one of the most common opportunistic fungi in HIV/AIDS infection. Successful identification of Candida species is important in the treatment and management of all forms of candidiasis.  In most parts of Nigeria, especially in the South East axis, the species spectrum of Candida yeast colonization in HIV/AIDS is poorly understood. This study was set up to determine the prevalence of oral and blood Candida isolates from HIV/AIDS patients in Nigeria. A total of 200 samples comprising of 100 oral swabs and 100 blood samples from HIV/AIDS patients attending Enugu-Ezike district hospital, were analyzed using conventional techniques to identify the presence of Candida species. Also, in vitro phospholipase, proteinase and haemolytic activities of the isolates were also carried out. Out of the 200 samples screened, Candida species was recovered in 48 (24%) samples. Species recovered included C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. guillermondii, C. krusei and C. glabrata. Forty-six isolates were recovered from the oral route while 11 isolates were obtained from the blood, giving a total of 57 isolates. C. albicans was the most frequently isolated species from the oral cavity 23 (50%), followed by C. parapsilosis 10 (21.7%). The highest incidence of candidiasis among the HIV/AIDS subjects was observed in those aged 21-40 yrs. Phospholipase activity was found in 29 (63%) of the oral isolates while 31 (67.4%) had proteinase activity. Haemolysin activity was observed in 33 (71.7%) isolates. C. krusei and C. guillermondii isolates did not show any haemolysin activity. Among the blood isolates, 6 (54.4%) had phospholipase activity, while 7 (72.7%) had proteinase activity. Haemolysin activity was observed in 7 (72.7%) isolates. Non- albicans Candida species are emerging as potential cause of invasive infection and thus posing a therapeutic challenge in the area investigated.