P346 Pulmonary fungal infection in Sudan, a retrospective study from the Mycology Reference Laboratory

: Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary fungal infections are life-threatening diseases, if not diagnosed and properly treated can lead to serious complications. In chronic cases, the condition might mimic tuberculosis and may be misdiagnosed. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the frequency of fungi among the respiratory samples received at the mycology reference laboratory over 5 years period and to provide a view of the burden of pulmonary fungal diseases in the country. METHODS: A total of 713 sputum samples received at the Mycology Reference Laboratory, Khartoum, Sudan, between 2015-2019 were analyzed. These samples were collected from different health care centers in Khartoum state. For every sample, direct microscopy using 20% KOH and methylene blue stain was performed. In addition, cultures were made by inoculating every sample in three tubes of Sabouraud dextrose gar (SDA) containing chloramphenicol. Tubes were incubated at 37°C for 2 and up to 7 days. Isolated fungi were identified phenotypically using the Atlas of Clinical Fungi guidelines. RESULTS: Out of the 713 samples, 235 (33%) were positive for fungi; both in the direct microscopy and culture. Cultures were identified as Aspergillus species 38 (16%), while 197 (84%) were found to represent Candida species. CONCLUSION: Our study showed a high number of fungi is associated with pulmonary conditions in Sudan. Risk factors might include post tuberculosis, Asthma, HIV, and COPD.