ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGI FROM URINE SAMPLES OF FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

Funguria is the presence of fungi species in the urine and reports have suggested that females can be affected. This study assessed the burden, isolated, identified and tested for the virulence factors of different funguria species from female undergraduate students in University of Benin. A total of ten (10) urine samples were collected and transported to the laboratory for mycological analysis. One milliliter (1ml) of each sample from a 10 fold dilution were plated on Potato Dextrose Agar and incubated at ambient temperature for one week in an aerobic environment. The total fungi count of the urine samples ranged from 6× 102 CFU/ml - 9 × 102  CFU/ml. Pure cultures of the isolates obtained were placed inside a sterilized inoculation chamber (U.V room), sterilized microscope slides and cover slips were then used for the preparation of the fungal isolates. Slides were prepared from the isolates by picking small bits of each fungal colony with a sterilized inoculating needle on to a clean microscope glass slide. They were stained with a drop of lactophenol cotton blue stain and covered with a sterile cover slip (this was carefully done to avoid bubbles). Excess stain was dried using piece of cotton wool and examined under the microscope. The fungi isolated include; Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp and Cladosporium sp. Aspergillus sp was the most predominant fungi isolated accounting for about (50%) while Cryptococcus sp. and Fusarium sp. were (25%). The antifungal suseptibility test for the isolate showed that Cryptococcus sensitive to all antifungals used in this experiment, Aspergillus sp was sensitive to amphotrecin B, Itraconazole and the echinocandin and Fusarium sp was sensitive to all antifungals except fluconazole. From the test for virulence factors, it was shown that Aspergillus sp. and Cryptococcus sp. had temperature tolerance while Fusarium sp. was unable to grow. Furthermore, lipase virulence showed that Aspergillus sp. and Cryptococcus sp. showed a strong production of lipase. This shows the pathogenicity of Aspergillus sp. and Cryptococcus sp. These results highlighted how crucial it is to keep an eye on the pathogenicity and patterns of antifungal susceptibility and to develop tactics to counteract fungal pathogens' growing resistance. Through the integration of clinical data, research findings, and treatment guidelines, healthcare professionals can enhance patient care and improve the prognosis of patients with fungal infections.