Microbiology Research Journal International

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of paragonimiasis and aspergillosis in patients suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis in Yaounde.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Participants were recruited between March and June 2014 using the tuberculosis treatment centers of the University Hospital Center and Jamot Hospital Center of Yaounde

Methodology: Two sputum samples were collected from participants and analysed using standard microbiological methods.

Results: A total of 260 patients were enrolled, 131 (50.4%) females and 129 (49.6%) males. Of the 260 samples collected, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in 44 (16.92%) [CI: 12.33–21.51], Aspergillus spp. in 42 (16.15%) [CI: 11.65–20.66] and Paragonimus africanus in 7 (2.69%) [CI: 0.7 – 4.67]. Aspergillosiswas more prevalent in the age group 41-60years 29 (44.62%) (P = .000) and among builders 19 (45%) (P = .013). Isolates of Aspergillus included A. fumigatus 20 (47.62%), A. flavus 10 (24%) and A. niger 10 (24%). Other pathogens isolated included Candida albicans 80 (39.8%) and Histoplasma capsulatum var duboisii 21 (8.1%). Nine (3.46%) and 20 (7.69%) of patients with tuberculosis were coinfected with Aspergillus spp., and Candida albicans respectively. No coinfection was observed between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Paragonimus africanus. Gram staining revealed that 20 (7.7%) were positive for fungal elements, 80 (30.8%) for yeast, 5 (1.9%) for yeast and Gram positive rods, 40 (15.4%) for Gram negative rods and 30 (11.5%) for Gram positive cocci.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates varying prevalence of Aspergillus spp., Paragonimus africanus in patients suspected of tuberculosis in Yaounde. Other potential pathogens isolated included Candida albicans, and Histoplasma capsulatum var duboisii. Further studies will be required to shed more light on the biology and transmission of Paragonimus africanus in Yaounde.