scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Bovine Brucellosis and its Public Health Significance in Central High Land of Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Temesgen Kassa Getahun ◽  
Gezahegn Mamo ◽  
Beksisa Urge
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Fetal Membrane ◽  
Human Brucellosis ◽  
Bovine Brucellosis ◽  
Central Highland ◽  
Small Holder

Abstract Background: Brucellosis is a serious zoonotic disease affecting human and all domestic animals. It is considered to be one of the great public health problems all over the world. Little attention has been paid to bovine brucellosis in small holder dairy farm and in animal owners and farm workers in central highland of Ethiopia. Result: The overall seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis were 1.2% (95%CI: 0.47-2.97) by RBPT alone and 0.6% (95%CI: 0.016-2.09) using combined RBPT and CFT tests. In human, the overall seroprevalence of zoonotic brucellosis was 4.2% (95%CI: 0.204-8.42) by RBPT and 1.2% (95%CI: 0.032-4.27) using combined RBPT and CFT tests. Statistical analysis of risk factors by univariable firth’s bias reduced logistic regression indicates that late stage of abortion (OR=14.74, p=0.0002), retained fetal membrane (OR=32.74, p=0.006), market based stock replacement (OR=16.55, p=0.002), and presence of parturition pen (OR=11.511, p=0.027) were found to be significantly associated with the seropositivity for Brucella infection in dairy cattle. The seropositivity of human brucellosis was significantly influenced by human housing (OR=1.8, p=0.002), contact with aborted fetus (OR=21.19, p=0.017), drinking raw milk from aborted (OR=5.72, 0.019) and retained fetal membrane (OR=4.22, p=0.029) cows. A structured interview question was administered to 284 respondents. Accordingly, most respondents had no knowledge on brucellosis (93.3%). Conclusion: The present seroprevalence study revealed that brucellosis is prevalent at lower rate among dairy cattle and in exposed individuals in the study areas. However, since there were no control strategies implemented in the area, there is a potential risk for transmission of brucellosis in dairy cattle and exposed human population of study areas. With the low prevalence of bovine brucellosis in government owned and small holder farms, implementation of test and slaughter strategy with compensation to farmers is recommended; while in case of human brucellosis, continuous social training with feedback assessments, implementing one health approach framework and since its presence is confirmed and the risk factors are identified, the medical personnel should give attention as to differential diagnosis of the disease which has been overlooked so far.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of human Brucellosis and associated risk factors among high-risk occupations in Mbeya Region of Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick D. Sagamiko ◽  
Ruth L. Mfune ◽  
Bernard M. Hang’ombe ◽  
Esron D. Karimuribo ◽  
Alfred M. Mwanza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Human Brucellosis ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Background: Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease of public health and economic importance. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mbeya region between November 2015 and January 2016 to investigate the seroprevalence of human brucellosis and identify associated risk factors among individuals in risky occupations. Methods: A total of 425 humans from six occupational categories were serially tested for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA), for screening and confirmation, respectively. A questionnaire survey was also administered to participants to collect epidemiological data. Results: The overall seroprevalence among the occupationally exposed individuals was 1.41% (95% CI: 00.64-3.12). Seroprevalence was higher among butcher men 5.6% (95% CI: 1.68-5.26), herds men 1.35% (95% CI: 0.18-9.02); and abattoir workers 1.1% (95% CI: 0.26-4.22) although there was no statistical significance. (P value = .18). Seroprevalence was also higher among men (1.8%) compared to females (0%) (P value = .19). and also, among those aged < 11 years (2.5%). Individuals who consumed raw milk had a higher seroprevalence (1.56%) compared to those who drunk boiled milk while seropositivity was 0.88% among those who assisted animals during parturition (P value = .49). Butcher men were at higher risk of exposure compared to other occupational categories. Our findings show the presence of brucellosis in occupationally exposed individuals in Mbeya region.Conclusion: There is need to sensitize the concerned professions in order to reduce the risk of acquiring Brucella infections from animals and animal products This also calls for public health awareness about the disease, and implementation of measures to prevent further spread of brucellosis within and outside the study area.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence and risk factors for human brucellosis in agro-pastoral areas in Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Shingo Asakura ◽  
George Makingi ◽  
Kunda John ◽  
Rudovick Kazwala ◽  
Kohei Makita
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Human Brucellosis ◽  
Bovine Brucellosis ◽  
Univariable Analysis ◽  
Multivariable Analyses

Background: Brucellosis is an endemic zoonosis in Tanzania. This study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of human brucellosis and its risk factors in agro-pastoral areas in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Methods: Questionnaire survey and blood sampling were conducted from January to February 2018 at four villages. Anyone living in the villages and wished to participate were involved. Competitive ELISA was used for diagnosis. Risk factor analysis for sero-positivity in human and analysis for the association of sero-positivity between cattle and human within each farm were conducted, using the data of farm-level bovine brucellosis status from our bovine brucellosis research performed in 2016. Results: The seroprevalence was 33.3% (44/132). In univariable analysis, the Maasai were significantly more sero-positive (56.5%) than other tribes (28.4%) (OR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.28–8.41). Drinking raw milk was a risk factor in both univariable and multivariable analyses (OR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.61–10.20). A negative association between sero-positivity in cattle and human within each farm was found (p<0.01). The Maasai performed more risk-taking behaviours for human infection than other tribes: drinking raw milk (p<0.01) or blood (p<0.01) and helping delivery of cattle with bare hands (p=0.03). Conclusions: The Maasai were at high risk of human brucellosis. More detailed survey and educational interventions are urgently needed.

Sero - Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cattle and Human Brucellosis at Seka Chokorsa and Shebe Sonbo Jimma Zone Districts, South West Ethiopia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ftsum Assefa Tokon ◽  
Benti Deresa Gelalcha ◽  
Teferi Benti Moti ◽  
Redeat Belaneh Alemu ◽  
Hailu Degefu Awash
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Brucella Abortus ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Human Brucellosis ◽  
Bacterial Disease ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Herd Level ◽  
Jimma Zone

Abstract Background: Brucellosis is contagious bacterial disease of major socio-economic and public health importance globally and it is also one of the priority zoonotic diseases in Ethiopia. Across-sectional epidemiological study was carried out from April 2017 to April 2018 to estimate the sero prevalence of bovine and human brucellosis and to assess the associated risk factors of brucellosis in Seka Chokorsa and Shebe Sonbo districts of Jimma zone. Results: The overall prevalence of cattle brucella infection at individual and herd level were 5.9% (95%CI: 4.1%-8.1%) and 26.6 (95%CI: 19.1%-35.3%) based on diagnosis using commercial kits of the competitive enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (CELISA) from Brucella abortus antibodies. Univariate logistic regression analysis at individual animal level showed that animals from large herd size and households which had a practice of introduction of new animals in their herds were 3.7 and 2.3 times more likely to be seropositive, respectively. The same scenario has been observed at herd level. Molecularly, five Brucella abortus was identified as the species affecting cattle in the study areas. From the total human serum samples tested only one serum was found to be positive for CFT and thus the prevalence is 0.42 %,( 95%CI: 0.01%-2.38%). From 238 respondents, 90% of them drink raw milk and milk products, and 70% of them also eat raw meat. Furthermore, slaughtering, assisting during delivery and poor management of aborted material is a common practice that favor transmission of the pathogen in the area. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results of this study showed that brucellosis is an important and widely distributed disease in cattle in the study areas. The finding of the infection in human indicates the public health importance of brucellosis in the area. The risk behaviors and practices observed suggests the need to design all-inclusive health programmes, such one-health approach aimed at controlling brucellosis spread in the study area.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Bovine Brucellosis at the Wildlife-Livestock-Human Interface in Rwanda

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1553
Author(s):  
Jean Bosco Ntivuguruzwa ◽  
Francis Babaman Kolo ◽  
Richard Simba Gashururu ◽  
Lydia Umurerwa ◽  
Charles Byaruhanga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Potential Risk ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Bovine Brucellosis ◽  
Urban District ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Human Interface ◽  
Potential Risk Factors

Bovine brucellosis is endemic in Rwanda; however, little information is available on seroprevalence and risk factors. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted among cattle farmed at the wildlife-livestock-human interface (n = 1691) in five districts and one peri-urban district (n = 216). Cattle were screened using the Rose Bengal test, then the results were confirmed by indirect enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay. Potential risk factors were determined with a questionnaire and analyzed for their association with seropositivity. In all districts, the animal and herd-level seroprevalence was 7.4% (141/1907) and 28.9% (61/212), respectively, 8.3% (141/1691) and 30.9% (61/198) at the interface, and 0.0% (0/216) in peri-urban areas. Among the potential risk factors, old age (≥5 years), cattle farmed close to wildlife, herds of cattle and small ruminants, history of abortions, and replacement animals were significantly associated with brucellosis (p < 0.05). Low awareness of zoonotic brucellosis, assisting calving without biosafety protection, drinking raw milk, and manual milking were each observed in more than 21.7% of cattle keepers whose herds were seropositive. This study confirmed brucellosis endemicity in cattle farmed close to wildlife in Rwanda, suggesting the need to focus control efforts in these areas. Educated farmers with a high awareness of zoonotic brucellosis had low bovine brucellosis seropositivity, which emphasizes the importance of education.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of human Brucellosis and associated risk factors among high risk occupations in Mbeya Region of Tanzania

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick D. Sagamiko ◽  
John B. Muma ◽  
Esron D. Karimuribo ◽  
Alfred A. Mwanza ◽  
Ruth L. Mfune ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Human Brucellosis ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Abattoir Workers

AbstractBackgroundBrucellosis is an infectious zoonotic disease that affects humans, livestock and wildlife.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Mbeya region between November 2015 and January 2016 to investigate the seroprevalence of human brucellosis and identify associated risk factors among individuals in risky occupations in Mbeya Region. A total of 425 humans from six occupational categories were serially tested for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA), for screening and confirmation, respectively. A questionnaire survey was administered to participants collect epidemiological data.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence among the high risk occupational individuals was 1.41% (95% CI: 0.01-0.03). Seroprevalence among the different occupations were as follows: shepherds 1.33% (95% CI: 0.14-0.22); butcher men 5.26% (95% CI: 0.10-0.17) and abattoir workers 1.08% (95% CI: 0.39-0.49). Seroprevalence was noted to vary according to occupation type, milk consumption behaviour, age and sex. Butcher men recorded the highest seroprevalence (5.0%) while individuals who consumed unboiled milk had a higher seroprevalence (1.56%) compared to those who drunk boiled milk. High seropositivity (2.25%) was observed among the age group of 1-10 years while male individuals had a higher seroprevalence (1.41%) than females (0%). Butcher men were at higher risk of exposure compared to other professions.ConclusionOur findings show the presence of brucellosis in occupationally exposed individuals in Mbeya region. There is need to sensitize the exposed individuals in order to reduce the risk of acquiring Brucella infections from animals and animal products This also calls for public health awareness about the disease, and implementation of control measures that will prevent further spread of brucellosis within and outside the study area..Author summaryBrucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis that has evolved to establish itself as an occupational and food-borne disease Worldwide. It is responsible for huge economic losses incurred by livestock keepers and poses a public health risk to humans in most developing countries. In Tanzania, which has the 3rd highest cattle population in Africa, many studies that have been done show that brucellosis exists in livestock, especially in cattle and wildlife. However, very few studies have reported on human brucellosis. The disease has been reported to occur in humans who have direct exposure to cattle or cattle products like livestock farmers, abattoir workers, veterinarians, shepherds and farm workers in many developing countries. A few studies in Tanzania have reported seroprevalences among these high-risk occupations; however, the disease has not been fully described in Mbeya region. This study was therefore aimed at filling these information gaps and contributing to the existing body of knowledge.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Livestock and Residents of New Valley Governorate, Egypt

2020 ◽  
pp. 531-539
Author(s):  
Mohamed Said Diab ◽  
Sherif Abd Allah Zidan ◽  
Nermin Abdalla A. Hassan ◽  
Haitham Elaadli ◽  
Ahmed Mohamed Bayoumi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Human Brucellosis ◽  
Human Occupation ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease which is now considered endemic in most parts of Egypt. A cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2018 to February 2020 to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans and livestock residing in two regions located in New Valley Governorate, Egypt. A total of 1254 animals (673 cattle, 348 sheep, and 233 goats) and 523 human serum samples were examined for brucellosis using Rose Bengal test (RBT) and then randomly selected sera (15 from cattle, 7 from sheep, 3 from goats, and 45 from humans) were further analyzed by complement fixation test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to compare and detect the sensitivity and specificity of RBT. The prevalence of brucellosis was 0% in cattle, sheep, and goats while it was 23.9% in humans using RBT. Concerning humans, there was a higher percentage of infection in EL Kharga (33.6%). The prevalence of this infection was also at a higher level among individuals aged above 40 years (28.57%). Furthermore, men (26.11%) were more inclined to be inflicted, compared to women (22.5%) with no significant difference. Considering the human occupation, abattoir workers were the most predominant group of people at risk (33.3%), followed by farmers (31.25%) and animal keepers (20.6%) while the lowest prevalence was demonstrated in the housewives where the prevalence was 18.8 %. As a result, risk factors of the age range, locality, time of infection, contact with animals, and occupational groups could significantly affect the prevalence of human brucellosis in the New Valley Governorate. In conclusion, brucellosis is an alarming problem among residents of the New Valley Governorate. Thus, reducing the prevalence in humans and animals in the region of study may include restriction of the marketing the raw milk and enhancing public health awareness.

scholarly journals Sero-Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Bovine Brucellosis in Sendafa, Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadji Bifo ◽  
Getachew Gugsa ◽  
Tsegabirhan Kifleyohannes ◽  
Engidaw Abebe ◽  
Meselu Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Bacterial Disease ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Bovine Brucellosis ◽  
History Of ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Special Zone

AbstractBovine brucellosis is an infectious bacterial disease caused by members of genus Brucella, affecting both animals and humans, and resulting in a serious economic loss in animal production sector and deterioration of public health. This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2014 to April 2015 to determine the sero-prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine brucellosis in Sendafa, Oromia special Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 503 blood samples were collected using simple random sampling technique from dairy cattle of above 6 months of age with no history of previous vaccination against brucellosis. All sera samples were demonstrated using both Rose Bengal Plate Test for screening and Compliment Fixation Test for confirmation. Accordingly, the overall sero-prevalence of bovine brucellosis in this area was 0.40%. The result showed that the sero-prevalence of bovine brucellosis in the study area was not statistically significant with all proposed risk factors. Thus, the study revealed the absence of significant statistical variation in the sero-prevalence of bovine brucellosis in different age, sex groups, breeding method and history of previous abortions (P>0.05). No reactors were observed in male animals. Sero-prevalence of 0.40% was observed in animals without previous history of abortion. Moreover, information was gathered on individual animal and farm-level risk factors and other farm characteristics using a questionnaire. The awareness among the society was poor, so the positive animals can be a potential hazard to animals and humans in the study area. Therefore, public education should be done in order to improve the awareness of people on bovine brucellosis and its public health impact with due consideration on the safely consumption of food of animal origin.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of and risk factors for Q fever in dairy and slaughterhouse cattle of Jimma town, South Western Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Feyissa Begna Deressa ◽  
David Onafruo Kal ◽  
Benti Deressa Gelalcha ◽  
Ricardo J. Soares Magalhães
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Potential Risk ◽  
Tick Infestation ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Fever Management ◽  
Jimma Town

Abstract Background Q fever is a zoonotic disease, caused by Gram negative bacterium C. burnetii, which imparts significant socio-economic burden due to production and reproductive loss (abortion, stillbirth, and infertility) in ruminants and debilitating clinical disease in human populations. While sheep and goats are considered the primary reservoirs of infection to humans, infection can also result from exposure to cattle. Recent studies indicate that in Ethiopia Q fever is a disease of growing public health interest. The top cattle producing region in Ethiopia is the Oromia region and Jimma is the zone that ranks first in the population of cattle within Oromia. While in Jimma zone livestock production plays an important role in people’s livelihoods and nutrition, to date, there is no available report on seroprevalence of Q fever in cattle. This is particularly important due to the low dairy farm biosecurity in Jimma town. This study aimed to evaluate the potential risk for public health from cattle production; a specific objective of this study included the estimation of the seroprevalence of C. burnetii infection and its potential risk factors in dairy cattle and cattle for slaughter in Jimma Town. Results The seroprevalence of C. burnetii in cattle present at dairy farms was significantly lower compared to cattle presented at slaughterhouse [6.17% (95% CI: 3.41–10.13) and 11.79% (95% CI: 7.63–17.17), respectively; (P = 0.04)]. As the age of dairy cattle increase by 1 year, they were 1.51 more likely to be positive of C. burnetii [OR = 1.51 (95%CI: 1.30–1.75; (P = 0.000)]. Cattle managed in semi-intensive production systems were 8.08 more likely to be C. burnetii seropositive compared to intensively managed dairy cattle [OR = 8.08 (95%CI: 1.03–63.68); P = 0.047]. Dairy cattle with access to nuisance animals like dogs, cats and mice were 5.65 more likely to be C. burnetii seropositive compared to dairy cattle without access to these animals. On the other hand, dairy cattle that have no tick infestation are 93% less likely to be seropositive for C. burnetii [OR = 0.07 (95%CI: 0.01–0.74); P = 0.027]. Concerning farm-level data, farms of larger herd sizes were 1.03 more likely to be C. burnetii seropositive than small herd farms [OR = 1.03 (95%CI: 0.99–1.06)]. The result from slaughterhouse indicates that as the age of cattle increase by 1 year their chance of being C. burnetii seropositive increases by 2.27 [OR = 2.27 (95%CI: 1.93–2.68); p = 0.000]. Conclusion Considering its zoonotic and economic burden the seroprevalence of Q fever recorded in this study is of eminent public health concern with a farm-level and slaughterhouse seroprevalence of 6.17 and 11.79% respectively. Based on modifiable risk factors identified in this study, Q fever management plans better be focused on health education and awareness campaigns for abattoir workers and dairy farm workers. Dairy farm Q fever management plans should contemplate improved dairy herd biosecurity with regards to cattle tick infestation, keeping different livestock species segregated and avoiding mixing of herd with others with unknown health status.

scholarly journals Sero-prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine brucellosis in Sendafa, Oromia Special Zone surrounding Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0238212
Author(s):  
Hadji Bifo ◽  
Getachew Gugsa ◽  
Tsegabirhan Kifleyohannes ◽  
Engidaw Abebe ◽  
Meselu Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Bacterial Disease ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Bovine Brucellosis ◽  
History Of ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Special Zone

Bovine brucellosis is an infectious bacterial disease caused by members of genus Brucella, affecting both animals and humans, and resulting in a serious economic loss in animal production sector and deterioration of public health. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2014 to April 2015 to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of bovine brucellosis in Sendafa, Oromia Special Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 503 blood samples were collected using a simple random sampling technique from dairy cattle of above 6 months of age with no history of previous vaccination against brucellosis. All sera samples were subjected to both Rose Bengal Plate Test for screening and Complement Fixation Test for confirmation. Accordingly, the overall seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in the study area was 0.40%. The result showed that the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in the study area was not statistically significant with all proposed risk factors. No reactors were observed in male animals. The seroprevalence was observed in animals without previous history of abortion. Moreover, information was gathered on individual animal and farm-level risk factors and other farm characteristics using a questionnaire. Awareness among society was poor, so the positive animals can be a potential hazard to animals and humans in the study area. Therefore, public education should be done to improve the awareness of the community on bovine brucellosis and its public health impact with due consideration on the safe consumption of food of animal origin.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Candida albicans among Female Patients in Two Selected Hospitals in Owerri Metropolis, Imo State Southeastern Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
M. O. Nwachukwu ◽  
J. N. Azorji ◽  
P. C. Onyebuagu ◽  
L. A. Adjeroh ◽  
S. N. Nmezi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
Southeastern Nigeria ◽  
Sabouraud Agar ◽  
Female Patients ◽  
Tract Infections

The incidence of candidiasis in the female reproductive tract is a serious threat to public health. This study assesses the prevalence of Candida albicans among female patients in the two selected hospitals in Owerri metropolis. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 120 female patients between the ages of 16-56 years. Only patients who showed no symptoms of urinary tract infections and who were not on anti-fungal therapy at the time of the study were included in the study. A well-structured interview questionnaire was used to source information on socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents as well as the risk factors of Candida albicans infections. High Vaginal Swab (HVS) was aseptically collected from each of the patients, using a sterile swab stick. The collected samples were labeled appropriately and immediately sent to the microbiology/mycology lab for analysis. The HVS samples were respectively streaked directly into sabouraud agar plates and incubated anaerobically at 37oC for 48 hours. Yeast growth characteristics were noted. Positive colonies were sub-cultured in Macconkey agar to obtain pure isolates. The Candida albicans were properly identified and confirmed by germ tube test, gram staining and biochemical tests. The results showed that the overall prevalence of Candida albicans among the women was (53.34%). The prevalence was highest among the patients in the age group 16-25 (44.17%), lower education qualification (n=65, 54.17%) and pregnant women (n=44, 36.67%). The possible risk factors for the infection include use of antibiotics (n=85, 70.83%), use of nylon underwear (n=78, 65.00), use of public toilet (n=90, 75.00%), use of squat WC (n=59, 9.17%) and use of oral contraceptive (n=59, 49.17%). The results call for preventive measures to protect women. Therefore public health education and campaign should be adopted.

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