Intestinal candidiasis and antibiotic usage in children: case study of Nsukka, South Eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Overgrowth of candida results from factors that disrupt the intestinal microbial balance, such as the use of antibiotics. Unregulated antibiotic use and rampant practice of self-medication in Nigeria, is a cause for concern.

METHODS

A total of 314 stool specimens were collected from children <1 to 12 years of age in Nsukka, South Eastern Nigeria and screened for candida species using standard methods. Questionnaires were used to collect relevant information on the participants.

RESULTS

Out of the 314 participants, 31.2% had candidiasis, indicated by growth of ≥10 CFU/ml. Four different species of candida were identified. had the highest prevalence (59.0%), while had the least prevalence (6.0%). Of the 314 participants, 46.5% had diarrhoea, out of which 58.9% had intestinal candidiasis while only 14.3% of the non-diarrhoeic children had candidiasis. Of 208 participants who had taken antibiotics within three weeks of the study, 42.3% had candidiasis compared to 20.8% of those with no recent history of antibiotic use.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed a high prevalence of intestinal candidiasis among children in Nsukka. Strong associations were observed between the presence of intestinal candidiasis and diarrhoea, age and use of antibiotics (p<0.001).