Determination of Azole Resistant Gene (ERG11) in Candida Species Isolated from Non-Pregnant Women Attending Amassoma Community Hospitals, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Candida species are dimorphic organism in which they can exist as moulds and yeast. They have the ability to cause infection in individuals with impaired immunity. This study was carried out between January and August, 2018 to determine the presence of azole resistant gene (ERG11) in Candida species isolated from non-pregnant women between ages 18 and 36 attending Amassoma Community hospitals, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. A total of 150 higher vagina swabs were collected from 150 subjects and immediately transported to the laboratory for culture using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Pure isolates were characterised and identified on the basis of Gram Staining, Germ tube test, molecular analysis for the presence of ITS (Internal Transcriber Spacer) gene and CHROMagar Candida. Antifungal susceptibility testing was conducted by standard procedures and molecular analysis using polymerase chain reaction to reveal the resistant gene ERG11. A total of 92 (77 %) of Candida species were isolated; Candida albicans 72 (78 %), Candida krusei 15 (16 %), Candida glabrata 5 (5 %). Most of the Candida species isolated were susceptible to Ketoconazole (92.8 %) followed by fluconazole (66.6 %) and the least itraconazole (27 %). Resistant strains among the Candida species expressed ERG11 genes. Observation showed that women of ages 18 to 27years had the highest Candida infection this is followed by ages of 28 to 33years and the least women with Candidiasis were of ages 34 to 36years. In conclusion, this study has revealed ketoconazole as the most potent antifungal that can be prescribed for clinical use. Also antifungal resistant gene was common among the Candida species isolated in the study. Further study should be carried out to combat this effect of resistance.