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Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp from stool samples of people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Maiduguri, Nigeria

*1,[1]Kadaura, M. U., 1Abubakar, J., 2Baba, A. S., 3Askira, M. U., 2Ali, K. B., 4Yakubu, Y. M., 4Daggash, B. B., 4Baba, S. A., 5Mohammed, Y., 2Gadzama, G. B., and 4Zailani, S. B.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Federal University of    Health Sciences Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

3Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

4Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital,  Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria                          5Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: Umulsan4maryam@gmail.com, Mairo.kadaura@fuhsa.edu.ng,.

Abstract:

Background: Cryptosporidium is an important cause of diarrhea in immuno-compromised individuals including children. Recent advances in molecular techniques have led to the discovery of different species that are more commonly associated with diarrhea. This study aimed at isolating and characterizing the Cryptosporidium spp among HIV patients with diarrhea in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Continue reading “Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp from stool samples of people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Maiduguri, Nigeria”

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Candida bloodstream infection among immunocompromised paediatric patients admitted to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

*1Anozie, C. E., 2Okesola, A., 3Makanjuola, O., 4Ayanbekun, T., 5Mohammed, A. R., and 6Fasuyi, T.

1Department of Medical Microbiology, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria

3Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria

4Department of Medical Microbiology, Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

5Department of Medical Microbiology, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria 6Department of Medical Microbiology, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: anoziechikezie@gmail.com; 08035607642

Abstract:
Background: Invasive candidiasis is a major hospital acquired fungal infection in Nigeria. Despite advances in support of critically ill patients, candidaemia is still associated with high morbidity and mortality. Data on Candida bloodstream infection among paediatric patients is limited in Nigeria and this informed this study, which was undertaken to investigate the prevalence, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility pattern for blood stream infections due to Candida species in University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Continue reading “Candida bloodstream infection among immunocompromised paediatric patients admitted to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria”

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Phenotypic methods versus PCR-RFLP for the identification of dermatophyte species isolated from patients with dermatophytosis in Egypt

N.M. Gohar, H.M. El-Batal, B.A. Elawady, N Samir

 

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytes are major causative agents of cutaneous fungal infections worldwide. Identification of dermatophyte species is based on macroscopic and microscopic morphology on different culture media. Molecular methods such as PCR-RFLP are rapid, reliable and precise identification methods. This local study aimed to identify the spectrum of dermatophyte species among the studied patients population using different phenotypic and genotypic methods.

Materials and methods: Hair, skin and nail specimens were collected from 135 patients with clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis. All specimens were subjected to microscopic examination using KOH and culture on SDA and dermasel agar. Phenotypic identification was done by colony and microscopic morphology, and subculture on malt, PDA, lactrimel and urea agar plates. Molecular identification was done by PCR-RFLP using MvaI.

Results: Out of 135 patients included in the study, 78 (57.8%) were positive by culture for dermatophytes. Five different species were identified, the most commonly isolated species was M. canis (51.3%) followed by T. violaceum (42.3%). PCR-RFLP correctly identified the isolated dermatophyte species, producing unique restriction patterns.

Conclusion: Dermatophytosis is common in Egypt where humid hot climate and animal contact play important role in the spread of these fungi. The use of PCR-RFLP directly on clinical specimens rather than its use in the identification of dermatophytes from culture media is recommended.

Keywords: Dermatophytosis, Dermasel agar, SDA, Sporulation media, PCR-RFLP

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Phenotypic methods versus PCR-RFLP for the identification of dermatophyte species isolated from patients with dermatophytosis in Egypt