Prevalence of Candidiasis Infection in Rural Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Candidiasis is a yeast infection (a type of fungus) called Candida. Some species of Candida can cause infection in people; the most common is Candida albicans. Candida albicans is an organism that normally makes a quiet home for itself on the skin, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, vagina, and penis. It may also infect the bloodstream or internal organs such as the liver or spleen. Occasionally the yeast multiplies uncontrollably, causing pain and inflammation. If it reaches the bloodstream or heart, candidiasis can kill. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of candidiasis in rural areas of Ekiti State, Nigeria. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using simple random technique to select one thousand five hundred and fifty (1550) patients attending Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, from January to December 2020 tested for Candidiasis. Medical records of suspected patients tested for Candidiasis infection were collected from the medical records of the Health Information Management department. SPSS was used to analyze data. Data were expressed in frequencies, percentages, and bar charts. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. 605 (39.03%) of the patients were male while 945 (60.97%) were female. Out of a total of 1550 patients, 55 were identified as positive, resulting in an overall prevalence of 3.55%. 18 (2.96%) of the male subjects were positive while 38 (3.92%) of the female subjects were positive. Age group 41-50 had highest prevalence of candidiasis infection of 1.42%. The tests for all subjects in the age group 1-20 years were negative. The prevalence of candidiasis was low. Diagnosed candidiasis was higher in females than males. Nutrition, lifestyle, poor hygiene, and self-medication differences may have contributed to the higher prevalence of candidiasis among females than males. Therefore, people should be sensitized on how to prevent candidiasis in rural areas of Ekiti State.