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Prevalence of fungal isolates in selected poultry farms and outcomes of ocular fungal infections in experimental murine model

*1,2Mba, A. N., and 3Ekwealor, I. A.

1Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

2International Institute for Infectious Diseases, Biosafety and Biosecurity Research, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

3Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: tonia762013@gmail.com; +2348035082191; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000–0001–8409–8559

 

Abstract:

Background: Poultry farm workers, often exposed to fungal-laden environments, are at heightened risk of ocular mycoses, which is a potentially blinding infection that warrants urgent attention and investigation. This study investigates the fungal load and pathogenicity of fungal isolates from ten selected poultry farms in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria, and their potential to cause ocular mycoses in a murine model, simulating occupational exposure. Continue reading “Prevalence of fungal isolates in selected poultry farms and outcomes of ocular fungal infections in experimental murine model”

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Invasive fungal infections and COVID-19: a review

1,2,3Fayemiwo, S. A., and *4Adegboro, B.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

2Medical Mycology Unit, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

3Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom

4Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria *Correspondence to: boazadegboro@gmail.com and boaz.adegboro@nileuniversity.edu.ng

Abstract:
Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are major causes of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients all over the world with a global prevalence of 15%. Since the first case of COVID-19 was reported on February 27, 2020, in Nigeria, it had been discovered across all geopolitical zones in Nigeria. As the medical community confronts the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, determining whether patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop fungal complications, especially invasive aspergillosis, is crucial. This review aimed to highlight the fungal co-infections that might be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and modalities for their diagnosis, prevention, and management, with the view to reducing the high mortality associated with these infections. Continue reading “Invasive fungal infections and COVID-19: a review”