Isolation and identification of candida species from oral of diabetic patients

Abstract

Diabetes increases the risk of fungal infections in the mouth and in other parts of the body. Candidiasis may occur if there is a decrease in the flow of saliva, which allows the fungi to grow. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Candida spp and identify the potential risk factors among diabetic and non-diabetic groups. This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to May 2022. During this period, 130 oral swabs were collected, the following tests were done: direct microscopic examination, gram stain and cultured on sabaroud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol, complimentary tests such as germ tube test, sugar assimilation test, growing on chromogenic media, were carried out to differentiate between the Candida species. Out of 130 oral swab cultured, there were 102 (78.4%) yielded Candida species. 80 (89%) were diabetics, the results showed strong statistical relationship between diabetics and Candida infections p=0.001. The frequencies of isolated Candida species including C. albicans were 41(40.2%), while C. Glabrata 23 (22.5%) C. tropicalis 26 (25.5%), and C. krusei 12 (11.8 %) The results of this study revealed a higher prevalence of Candida infections in patients with diabetes, so the study recommends continuous follow-up and the necessary tests in response to any symptoms, and recommends health education and attention to clean food and drink. Furthermore, the study underscores the necessity for further research on the correlation between Candida infections and diabetic complications.