Introduction Oral candidiasis is one of the most common opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patient and it is caused by Candida species. The low absolute CD4+T-lymphocyte count has traditionally been cited as the greatest risk factor for the development of Oral Candidiasis. The aim of this study was to identify Candida species isolated from the oral cavity of HIV/AIDS patients, to determine their in vitro antifungal susceptibility and to investigate the possible risk factors associated with oral candidiasis. Methods This was a hospital based cross sectional study that was carried out for a period of 3 months amongst HIV/AIDS patients in Kumba District Hospital, whether on HAART or not. Mouth swabs were collected from 378 participants using sterile cotton wool swabs and 5ml venous blood were collected for determination of CD4 cell. Candida species were isolated and identified. Antifungal sensitivity testing was performed using modified kirby-bauer susceptibility testing technique. Results Candida species were present in 42.86% of the samples and Candida albicans was the most prevalent (60.2%) amongst the six Candida isolates identified, followed by Candida glabrata (16.9%), Candida krusei (12.3%), Candida tropicalis (6.4%), Candida parapsilosis (2.3%) and Candida pseudotropicalis (1.8%). Pregnancy, oral hygiene and antibiotic usage were significantly associated with oral candidiasis in HIV/AIDS patients (P<0.05). Oral candidiasis was mostly frequent in HIV/AIDS patients between 21-40 years. A CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/μl was a significant risk factor for acquiring oral candidiasis in HIV/AIDS patients (P<0.001). Nystatin was the most sensitive drug (83.6%) meanwhile ketonazole was the most resistant drug (29.2%), followed by fluconazole (24.6%) to all oral Candida isolates. Conclusion Oral Candida colonization occurs more frequently in HIV/AIDS patients and the is a need for the government to implement regular checks for opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS patients, including oral candidiasis in HIV/AIDS patients to monitor disease progression and prevent subsequent complications such as candidemia and diarrhea.

Background Cryptosporidiosis is a pathological condition caused by infection with coccidian protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium . Cryptosporidium is one of the most common causes of childhood diarrhea in developing countries. So far, no data has been published on its prevalence among children with diarrhea in Cameroon. This study was therefore, designed to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidiosis among children within the ages 0–5 years suffering from diarrhea and being attended to at the Limbe Regional Hospital. Methods The study was a hospital based analytical cross-sectional study involving children within the ages 0–5 years ( n = 112) hospitalized or consulted in the pediatric departments of the hospital between April 2018 and May 2018. Stool specimens were processed using the modified acid-fast staining method, and microscopically examined for Cryptosporidium infection. Results A total of 112 participants were recruited out of which 67 presented with diarrhea. A high prevalence 9/67 (13.40%) of Cryptosporidium was noticed in children with diarrhea than children without diarrhea 1/45 (2.2%). There was a significant relationship ( p = 0.041 ) between prevalence of Cryptosporidium and the presence of diarrhea in children within the ages 0–5 years in the Limbe Regional Hospital. It was realized that children from parents with primary level of education, children whose parents did not respect exclusive breastfeeding and those whose parents were giving them pipe borne water for drinking recorded a higher prevalence. Conclusions This study revealed an overall prevalence of 8.9% for Cryptosporidium among children of ages 0–5 years that attended the Limbe Regional Hospital. The prevalence among children that presented with diarrhea was 13.4%. The study clearly demonstrated that Cryptosporidium is an important protozoal etiologic agent for children with diarrhea in Limbe. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7484-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background: The excessive use of medicines and generally self-medication is considered as one of the major health and socio-economic problems in different countries. There is increasing evidence that self-medications among pregnant women are common in many developing countries. Despite the adverse impact on pregnancy, there are few programs available for their control. The Northwest region of Cameroon has been affected by socio-political crisis since 2016, which has slowed down economic activities and have grievous effects on the economy. It was therefore necessary to evaluate the prevalence of auto-medication amongst pregnant women. Aim: The aim of this study is to ascertain the knowledge, prevalence and practice of auto medication among pregnant women in Cameroon especially in the North West Region. Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 pregnant women, aged between 15 -45 years in the Bamenda Health District between January to October 2019. A structured questionnaire based interview was used to collect data from each study subject. Then, data were categorized and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: The prevalence of auto-medication (allopathic and herbal medicines) in this study was 337 (67.4%) and was predominant during the first trimester 246 (72.86%) of pregnancy. 98 (29.09%) previous experience, 70 (20.77%) that they did not have money for consultation, 70 (20.77%) non-severity of ailments and 75 (22.

Background: Intestinal parasites induce an immunological alteration that favors progression from HIV to AIDS. These enteric parasitic agents vary from patient to patient and from country to country depending on endemicity, seasonal variation of pathogens, and also the immune status of the patient. Therefore, studies are required to evaluate the spectrum of these parasites in specific locations to better plan their control. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitosis in HIV/AIDS patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out from the month of March to July 2018 on HIV patients on HAART in the Ndop Health District, Cameroon. Three centers were selected for this study using a two-stage stratified sampling technique. Stool and blood were collected from 347 participants. Stool was examined for intestinal parasites using direct microscopy, fomol-ether concentration technique, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Blood collected was analyzed using a Pima Alere CD4+ T cell counter. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic and clinical data. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Three hundred and forty-seven (347) consented individuals were recruited into the study. The ages of study participants ranged between 22-78 years. The mean (±SD) age of the study participants was 42 (±10) years. Among the 347 participants, 67 (19.3% (CI = 15.3%-23.9%)) were infected with at least one intestinal parasite. Forty-two (12.1% (CI =8.9%-15.9%)) of study participants were infected with protozoan while 28 (8.1% (CI= 5.2%-11.0%)) were infected with helminths. Intestinal parasites identified included; Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Taenia spp, Schistosoma mansoni, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Cryptosproridum spp, Blastocystis hominis, Cyclospra spp, Isospora belli, Gardia intestinalis, and Entamoeba coli. Low CD4+ T lymphocyte cell counts were significantly associated (P< 0.01) with intestinal parasitic infection in HIV/AIDS patients on HAART. Conclusion: Intestinal parasites are a problem to HIV/AID patient on HAART. Screening for intestinal parasites in HIV/AIDS patients on HAART must be highlighted and awareness created among HIV/AIDS patients.