Fungi Associated With Persistent Cough In Immunocompromised Hosts In Jos And Environ

This study was conducted to determine the fungi associated with persistent cough in immunocompromised patients attending Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Vom Christian Hospital both in Plateau State. Hundred (100) immunocompromised patients with persistent cough were selected by random sampling. The sputum samples were collected and assayed for fungi using standard methods. The degree of disparity was analyzed using statistical method. Four different fungi were isolated from sputum of 37 (37%) immunocompromised patient with persistent cough, with Candida albicans been the highest 18 (48.6%) followed by Aspergillus niger 12 (32.4%), Cryptococcus neoformans 5 (13.5%) and Penicilium species 2(5.4%). Male subjects 22 (22%) were more susceptible to fungi associated cough than female 15(15%) with significant difference (P value 0.026). HIV, Tuberculosis and co-infection of both (HIV and TB) and prolong use of antibiotics were more predisposing factor associated with fungi related cough. These isolates were tested on 5 antifungal drugs. Ketoconazole and intraconazole were most susceptible to 83.8% of isolates, Amphotericin B had 54.1% susceptible while Griseofulvin and Vericonazole were 18.9% susceptible to the isolates. However, in managing the immunocompromised patient, there is a need for antifungal prophylaxis and sending of sample of immunocompromised host with persistent cough not only for bacteriological analysis but also mycological evaluation.