Candida antifungal drug resistance in sub-Saharan African populations: A systematic review

Abstract

Background:Candidainfections are responsible for increased morbidity and mortality rates in at-risk patients, especially in developing countries where there is limited access to antifungal drugs and a high burden of HIV co-infection. Objectives:This study aimed to identify antifungal drug resistance patterns within the subcontinent of Africa. Methods: A literature search was conducted on published studies that employed antifungal susceptibility testing on clinicalCandidaisolates from sub-Saharan African countries using Pubmed and Google Scholar. Results: A total of 21 studies from 8 countries constituted this review. Only studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and employing antifungal drug susceptibility testing were included. Regional differences inCandidaspecies prevalence and resistance patterns were identified. Discussion: The outcomes of this review highlight the need for a revision of antifungal therapy guidelines in regions most affected byCandidadrug resistance.  Better controls in antimicrobial drug distribution and the implementation of regional antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance programmes are required in order to reduce the highCandidadrug resistance levels seen to be emerging in sub-Saharan Africa.