CANDIDIA AND HIV CO-INFECTIONS AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING HIV CLINIC AT GENERAL HOSPITAL EZZANGBO, NIGERIA

Candidiasis has been identified as a ubiquitous fungal infection commonly affecting people living with HIV/AIDS. This research ascertained the prevalence and risk factors forral and vaginal candidiasis among 180 HIV out-patients at Ebonyi State General Hospital, Ezzangbo. Oral and vaginal swabs were aseptically collected from the participants in duplicate. One of the swabs was streaked on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA) and isolates were identified using macroscopic characteristics while the second swab was used for microscopic examination. Structured questionnaires were administered to participants to obtain risk factors associated with the infections. The antifungal susceptibility testing of the Candida isolates was performed using disc diffusion method. Data obtained was statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS). Results obtained from the study indicated 120(66.7%) were positive for Candidiasis; 31.7% was positive for only vaginal Candidiasis, 22.2% were positive for only oral Candidiasis while 12.8% had both. Candida albicans (CA) was dominant with 71% while none albicans Candida (NAC) was 29%. Isolates were most sensitive to Itraconazole and Griseofluvin and less sensitive to Ketoconazole, Nystatin and Fluconazole. The results of this study underlined essentials of good hygiene practices and importance of regularly assessing HIV patients for candidiasis.