Fungal Infections in Aseer Central Hospital: A Retrospective Laboratory-based Study of 340 Cases during the Years 2011 to 2015
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2016, Vol 12, Issue 10
Abstract
Objectives: The incidence of fungal infections is increasing due to increasing episodes of risk factors such as immune competence; broader used of antibiotics and longer hospital stays. This study aimed to analyze fungal isolates from patients admitted to Aseer Central Hospital between 2011 and 2015 and to shed light on practical recommendations based on scientific evidence for improving laboratory diagnosis. Methods: Retrospectively, for a period of 4 years (2011-2015), we analyzed 340 specimens submitted to the Microbiology Laboratory, at Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia. The study involved the isolation and identification of fungi using standard methods. Cultures were done on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) plates and Brain Heart Infusion Agar + 5% Sheep Blood (BHIA) according to the type of the clinical specimens. Suspected mold and yeast cultures were identified on the basis of colony morphology appeared on SDA and on microscopic features as per standard criteria. Resulted were analyzed using SPSS investigating prevalence among specimens types, sex, age groups and hospital wards. Results: Of the 340 specimens, positive fungal cultures were obtained in 105 (30.88%), no growth was seen in 218 plates (64.12%) and 17 plates (5%) had been contaminated or overgrown by bacteria. Out of the 105 positive fungal cultures, yeast represented 47 cases (44.76%) of which 23 samples (21.9%) belonged to the genus Candida. Dermatophytes were 18 isolates (17.14%) of which Trichophyton tonsurans was the dominant species 9 patients (8.57%). Aspergillus species were 13 cases (12.38%); Zygomycetes 9 (8.57%); Penicillium species, only 1 case (0.95%) and unidentified molds were 17 (16.19%). Gender showed significant differences (p=0.034) but no differences among ages groups (p = 0.187). Specimens derived from skin represented the highest percentage of fungal infections followed by the lower respiratory tract and subcutaneous tissue. Significance differences were recorded among hospital wards (p = 0.001) nonetheless male and female medical and surgical words revealed relatively higher rates of fungal infections. Conclusion: These fungi represent a considerable hazard to patient health. What is needed in the region is to increase detection rate, by improving sample quality and expanding laboratory capacity in order to enhance patient's health.
Authors and Affiliations
Hosam M. Almahdi, Shruti Malik, Martin R. P. Joseph, Ali M. F. Alqahtani, Naif S. H. Alqarni, Ahmed A. A. Alshamrani, Saad D. H. Alshahrani, Ali M. A. Moshibah, Hatem A. F. Alkazman, Mohammed A. S. Almhameed, Khalid M. S. Alsleem, Abdulmajeed S. A. Alqahtani, Majdi A. Mahfouz, Mohamed E. Hamid
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP340526
- DOI 10.9734/BJMMR/2016/22650
- Views 74
- Downloads 0
Study of Myocardial Dysfunction in Patients with Cirrhosis of Liver
Aim: To evaluate the myocardial dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis and its relationship with the aetiology and severity. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Methodology: A study was carried out in the Departme...
Doppler Ultrasonography as a Non-invasive Procedure for Diagnosis of Chronic Hepatitis: A Cross- sectional Study
Background: Viral hepatitis is a major public health problem in the world. Early recognition and treatment is crucial in order to avoid or decrease complications including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver bi...
Harlequin Ichthyosis: Case Report of a Rare Type of Ichthyosis
Aims: The purpose of this study is to present a case of Harlequin fetus, which is extremely rare. Presentation of Case: A 27-year-old woman, gravida 3 para 1, was referred to the clinic with a diagnosis of preterm premat...
Is Having Had a Cup of Coffee a Methodological Issue in Routine Sphygmomanometry?
Background: In view of the impact of hypertension on public health, the objective of this study was to determine whether having had a cup of coffee in an everyday life setting raises blood pressure significant enough to...
The Efficacy of Hyperbaric Oxygen in the Treatment of Chronic Ulcers
Background: Chronic ulcers are a significant socio-economic problem and represent a major risk factor for hospitalization, amputation, sepsis and even death. The treatment of chronic ulcers is often difficult and painful...