Study of coinfection of Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi with Candida spp., in four hospitals of Douala- Cameroon

Candida spp., are saprophytic yeasts capable of creating a favorable environment for bacterial infection, amplifying or inhibiting their activity. On the other hand, bacteria produce molecules that reduce the proliferation of Candida spp or promote their adherence to surfaces. The resurgence of typhoid and paratyphoid fevers in endemic individuals and the relative effectiveness of contemporary conventional therapies arouse curiosity to explore other factors that may influence, the re-emergence of infection in patients. We carried out a cross-sectional study of 2500 patients in four hospitals in the city of Douala, Cameroon, from January to December 2019, to determine the influence of Candida spp., on the onset of these infections in patients. Widal and Felix test was used to form the sample, culture on specific media and microscopy confirmed the identity of Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi and Candida spp. Biochemical tests on a classic tube gallery revealed the biochemical characteristics of bacteria. The results showed that infection with S. typhi is predominant, 32.76 % versus 18.4 % of S. paratyphi infection. Infection with Candida spp., would increase 4-5 times the frequency of infection with S. typhi and S. paratyphi, respectively from 3.08 % to 26.03 %, and from 7.08 % to 32.76 %. The presence of Candida spp increases the risk of reoccurrence of S. typhi and S. paratyphi in patients.