Candida species are one of the commonest causes of vaginitis in healthy women of reproductive age. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is characterized by vulvovaginal itching, redness and discharge. Candida albicans, which is a common genito-urinary tract commensal, has been the prominent species and remains the most common fungal agent isolated from clinical samples of patients diagnosed with VVC. In recent times, however, there has been a notable shift in the etiology of candidiasis with non-albicans Candida (NAC) species gaining prominence. The NAC species now account for approximately 10% to as high as 45% of VVC cases in some studies. This is associated with treatment challenges and a slightly different clinical picture. NAC species vaginitis is milder in presentation, often occur in patients with underlying chronic medical conditions and symptoms tend to be more recurrent or chronic compared with C. albicans vaginitis. C. glabrata is the most common cause of NAC-VVC. C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. guilliermondii are the other commonly implicated species. Treatment failure is common in NAC-VVC, since some of these species are intrinsically resistant or show low susceptibilities to commonly used antifungal agents. This article reviews the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of NAC vulvovaginitis.

Vaginal infections in pregnancy are associated with considerable discomfort and adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm delivery, low birth weight and increased infant mortality and also predisposition to HIV/AIDS. This study evaluated the prevalence and factors associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis among women attending antenatal clinic at a hospital in Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered and high vaginal swab samples were obtained from consenting pregnant women. The samples were processed following standard protocols. The prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis was 36%, while those of trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis were 2% and 38%, respectively. Infections were higher in the third trimester and many women admitted to practices that increase risk of these infections. Significant association was found between recent intake of antibiotics and vaginal candidiasis, same association was also found with bacterial vaginosis. Adequate investigation and prompt treatment will reduce the morbidity and attendant effects of these prevalent infections on mother and fetus.

Human immunodeficiency virus-positive individuals are at increased risk of both asymptomatic and symptomatic urinary tract infections. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in HIV-positive individuals, its associated factors including any correlation with the CD4 count of the patient, and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolated organisms. Midstream urine and blood samples were collected from 242 consenting HIV-positive patients who were attending routine follow-up clinic during the six-month period of the study. Microscopy, culture, and antibiotic susceptibility testing of the samples were carried out following standard protocols, and CD4 counts were also determined. Fifty one (21.1%) of the 242 individuals had significant bacteriuria. The predominant organism was Klebsiella spp. (35%) followed by Escherichia coli (31%). Prevalence of bacteriuria was higher in the women. Low CD4 counts and young age were significantly associated with the presence of bacteriuria. ASB prevalence is high in this population and related to the CD4 count level.

Introduction: The characteristics and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Staphylococcus aureus differs according to geographical regions and in relation to antibiotic usage. The aim of this study was to determine the biochemical characteristics of the prevalent S. aureus from Ekiti State, Nigeria, and to evaluate three commonly used disk diffusion methods (cefoxitin, oxacillin, and methicillin) for the detection of methicillin resistance in comparison with mecA gene detection by polymerase chain reaction. Materials and methods: A total of 208 isolates of S. aureus recovered from clinical specimens were included in this study. Standard microbiological procedures were employed in isolating the strains. Susceptibility of each isolate to methicillin (5 µg), oxacillin (1 µg), and cefoxitin (30 µg) was carried out using the modified Kirby–Bauer/Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute disk diffusion technique. They were also tested against panels of antibiotics including vancomycin. The conventional polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the presence of the mecA gene. Results: Phenotypic resistance to methicillin, oxacillin, and cefoxitin were 32.7%, 40.3%, and 46.5%, respectively. The mecA gene was detected in 40 isolates, giving a methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) prevalence of 19.2%. The S. aureus isolates were resistant to penicillin (82.7%) and tetracycline (65.4%), but largely susceptible to erythromycin (78.8% sensitive), pefloxacin (82.7%), and gentamicin (88.5%). When compared to the mecA gene as the gold standard for MRSA detection, methicillin, oxacillin, and cefoxitin gave sensitivity rates of 70%, 80%, and 100%, and specificity rates of 76.2%, 69.1%, and 78.5% respectively. Conclusion: When compared with previous studies employing mecA polymerase chain reaction for MRSA detection, the prevalence of 19.2% reported in Ekiti State, Nigeria in this study is an indication of gradual rise in the prevalence of MRSA in Nigeria. A cefoxitin (30 µg) disk diffusion test is recommended above methicillin and oxacillin for the phenotypic detection of MRSA in clinical laboratories.

Background: Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) production in gram negative bacteria confers multiple antibiotic resistance, adversely affecting antimicrobial therapy in infected individuals. ESBLs result from mutations in β-lactamases encoded mainly by the bla_TEM,bla_SHV and bla_CTX-M genes. The prevalence of ESBL producing bacteria has been on the increase globally, especially its upsurge among isolates from community-acquired infections has been observed. Aim: To determine ESBL prevalence and identify ESBL genes among clinical isolates in Osun State, Nigeria. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from August 2016 – July 2017 in Osun State, Nigeria. Three hundred and sixty Gram-negative bacteria recovered from clinical samples obtained from both community and healthcare-associated infections were tested. They included 147 Escherichia coli (40.8%), 116 Klebsiella spp (32.2%), 44 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.2%) and 23 Proteus vulgaris (6.4%) isolates. Others were Acinetobacter baumannii, Serratia rubidae, Citrobacter spp, Enterobacter spp and Salmonella typhi. Disk diffusion antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out, isolates were screened for ESBL production and confirmed using standard laboratory procedures. ESBLs resistance genes were identified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: All isolates demonstrated multiple antibiotic resistance. Resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanate and erythromycin was 100%, whereas resistance to Imipenem was very low (5.0%). : The overall prevalence of ESBL producers was 41.4% with Klebsiella spp as the highest ESBL producing Enterobacteriacaea. ESBL producers were more prevalent among the hospital pathogens than community pathogens, 58% vs. 29.5% (p=0.003). ESBL genes were detected in all ESBL producers with the bla_CTX-M gene predominating (47.0%) followed by bla_TEM (30.9%) and bla_SHV gene was the least, 22.1%. The bla_CTX-M gene was also the most prevalent in the healthcare pathogens (62%) but it accounted for only 25% in those of community origin. Conclusion: A high prevalence of ESBL producing gram-negative organisms occurs both in healthcare and in the community in our environment with the CTX-M variant predominating. Efforts to control the spread of these pathogens should be addressed.

Resistance to Third-Generation Cephalosporins and Other Antibiotics by Enterobacteriaceae in Western Nigeria