Estimating the Frequency Distribution of Melanin Producing Cryptococcus neoformans In Benin City, Nigeria

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, PMB 1154 Benin City, Nigeria.

10.21608/eajbsg.2025.433161

Abstract

                Cryptococcus neoformans, an opportunistic pathogenic fungus that causes severe infections like cryptococcosis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals such as HIV/AIDS patients.  This research investigated the frequency distribution and prevalence of C. neoformans in three markets (Egor, New Benin and Uselu) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 225 isolates sampled from bird droppings (as a known carrier of the pathogen) were tested for C. neoformans using urease and Niger seed agar. According to the sampling from the three markets, in 2023, Egor had 60 % positive isolates, while Uselu and new Benin had 58% each. In 2024, the prevalence increased to 84 % in Egor, 76 % in Uselu and 92 % in New Benin. These results showed that C. neoformans was present in all locations, with varying prevalence rates across 2 years. Thus, suggesting an overall increase in C. neoformans prevalence, posing a potential public health risk and hazard which may lead to death. This finding therefore, highlights the need for public awareness and preventive measures such as good hygiene and management practices, especially in market areas where pigeons are commonly found. One key virulence factor responsible for the distribution pattern and selection of C. neoformans is its ability to produce melanin(colour pigment) which contributes to the understanding of the pathogens ecology and epidemiology, thereby providing necessary information on disease management strategies. The results from the experiment indicates a potential danger in acquiring cryptococcosisnd an intending need for public health interventions in mitigating the risk of C. neoformans infections.

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