Abstract

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Nearly 150 Candida species have been described and are part of the microbiome on human skin, mucous membranes, the female genital tract, and the gastrointestinal tract, but only 10% of them are known to cause human diseases (candidiasis). The typical human commensal flora contains a number of species of Candida. Recently identified is Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant yeast has emerged as a prominent fungal pathogen due to its capacity to spread epidemics and invasive infections in healthcare settings. Candida auris infections have proven challenging to manage and treat. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of Candida auris on the skin surface of long-term inpatients in Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) Multisystem Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The method includes the collection of skin swabs using the single swab axilla and groin composite collection method and culturing on the appropriate media for identification of the species. Antibiotic sensitivity test using the standard well diffusion method was also carried out. A total of 100 samples were collected and 85 isolates were obtained. The isolates obtained from inpatients (n=85), 52.9% (n=45) were Candida albicans, 4.7 % (n=4) Candida glabrata, 23.5% (n=20) Aspergillus species, 18.8% (n=20) unidentified Candida species and their susceptibility patterns were determined. About 18.75% (n=3) of the unidentified Candida species which showed resistance to all 3 classes of antimycotic agents used were suspected to be C. auris. In conclusion, a high percentage of patients showed significant growth of opportunistic fungi which may be harmful to immunocompromised patients. The information in this study can aid in enlightening patients about nosocomial infections.

Keywords: Antifungal, Candida auris, Cutaneous surfaces, Drug resistance, Long term hospitalization