Fungal Isolation in HIV Patients and CD4 Count

Aims: This study aimed to investigate fungal isolation in HIV infected patients and its relationship with CD4 count. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria (between March and July 2013). Methodology: A total of 100 positive Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients (28 males, 72 females; age range 1-70 years) were included in this study. The sputum specimens were tested for mycobacteria using Ziehl Neelson’s staining technique. Fungal sputum culture was carried out using standard conventional fungal culture method. Identification was done using chromogenic media and standard staining methods. Results: There were significant fungal associations with gender, age and antiretroviral therapy ( P≤0.05). Out of 100 sputum samples cultured, 80 had fungal growths; 61 single and19 mixed isolates, while the remain ing 20 samples were without fungal growth. Different fungi species were isolated from 5 out of the 9 patients positive for