Prevalence of Cryptococcosis among HIV Patients Attending Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Kano

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection widely associated with people living with HIV. Some even consider it one of the indicators of possible HIV infection during the peak of the HIV epidemic. The study aimed to investigate the incidence of cryptococcosis among HIV patients attending the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Kano. In the study, KOH preparation, Gram staining technique, Culture method, Indian Ink staining techniques and urease test were employed for the isolation and identification of Cryptococcus species. In the results, apart from Cryptococcus species, Candida species and molds like Aspergillus and Penicilium species were also isolated. The female patients, as well as those within the age group of 30-39 years old, were more at risk of the infection. In conclusion, Cryptococcus species remain one of the opportunistic pathogens among HIV patients, with a higher risk among females.