The Study of Candida albicans among Diabetic Patients Attending Some Selected Hospitals in Sokoto Metropolis

Abstract

Candidiasis is an infection caused by the yeast genus Candida that lives in or on certain parts of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory tract, the vagina, and even the skin. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Candida albicans among diabetic patients attending some selected hospitals in Sokoto metropolis. A total of 245 early-morning midstream urine samples were inoculated on SDA Saboraud dextrose agar. The isolates were identified using Gram staining, germ tube test, and KOH test. The prevalence of Candidiasis was 9.4%. Females had a higher prevalence of 5.7% compared to males (3.7%) regarding gender (P = 0.247). Patients aged 30-34 years, 35-49 years, 40-44 years, 45-49 years and 50- 54 years had prevalence of 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.4%, 0.4% and 8.0% respectively. Patients aged 55 years and above were the most infected in this study (7.3%) (P = 0.796). Due to high blood glucose levels and old age, regular clinic check-ups are highly recommended to prevent avoidable complications. These findings suggest that women are the most vulnerable compared to men. Therefore, it is necessary to continue evaluating the Candida albicans infection rate in diabetic patients in hospitals and the community.