Abstract:
Background of the study: Urinary tract infection, one of the most common infectious diseases, is frequently found in developing countries. Urinary tract infections are included among some of the prevalent microbial illnesses in older people and women (UTI). Despite the fact that this type of infection can result in less serious, life-threatening conditions, the patient nonetheless feels a significant deal of distress. True urinary tract infection (UTI) is uncommon in adult males under the age of 50. (approximately 5-8 per year per 10,000), UTI developing in adult women is 30 times more probable than in males. Examples of microbial pathogens implicated in cases of UTI are Uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Candida spp. Research so far has shown that the percentage of Candida albicans that affects the urinary tract is more prevalent than any other candida spp in existence. Previous researches had investigated the occurrence of Candida spp. in UTI in humans but not in toilets. Hence, this research aims to investigate the prevalence of uropathogenic candida in male and female toilet hostels in a tertiary institution in Ogun state.
Methodology: With the consent of the students, 92 swab samples were acquired from the toilet bowl from the rooms in the hostel. Sabauroud dextrose agar, Germ tube test, Growth at 45ºC, CHROMAgar™ were techniques used for Candida identification.
Result: 51 samples grew on Sabauroud dextrose agar. Analysis of the samples showed Candida prevalence to be 55.4% on Saboraud dextrose agar. Further analysis showed Candida albicans prevalence to be 74.5% in females and 25.5% in males.
Conclusion: This study revealed the prevalence of pathogenic Candida spp. in the study
population. Exposure of students to such pathogens increases the risk and onset of Candidaassociated UTI. To guarantee proper cleanliness among this student body, action must be taken.
