Abstract

Essien Unyime Cosmas*, Kim Esther Garos, Okolo Mark Ojogba and Idoko Emmanuel

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to identify, characterized and determine antifungal sensitivity pattern of Candida species from vaginal specimens. A total of 139 Candida isolates were obtained from specimens submitted to microbiology laboratory of two tertiary hospitals in Jos metropolis. Samples were processed using standard methods for Candida isolation. Candida speciations were performed by germ tube test and Candida CHROMagar medium. Antifungal sensitivity pattern was performed on Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA) supplemented with 2% glucose and 0.5 ?g/ ml methylene blue dye by disc diffusion method. Out of 139 Candida isolated 69 (49.6%) were Candida albicans, 61 (43.9%) were Candida krusei, 3 (2.2%) were Candida tropicalis, 2(1.4%) Candida dubliniensis and 4 (2.9%) were unidentified Candida species. Antifungal sensitivity pattern reveals Ketoconazole as the most active agent 111/139 (79.9%) against Candida isolates. Conversely, the highest resistance was recorded in Griseofulvin 0 (0.0%). The present study has shown that specie level identification of Candida isolates should be encouraged in view of the rising spate of antimicrobial resistance to fungal agents.