Year : 2022

Volume : Volume 13

Issue : Issue 3

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Prakash Chandra Jha,
drprakashjha@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus, a significant global public health problem, wherein oral health also gets hampered. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is a predisposing factor to several opportunistic infections, including fungal infections, especially those caused by Candida species. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Candida species in diabetic individuals and to explore the relationship, if any between Candidal carriage and glycemic control. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 previously diagnosed type II diabetic patients formed the study population. After performing a comprehensive oral examination of the patients, unstimulated saliva samples were collected, inoculated into Saborauds dextrose agar medium, and incubated at 37°C for 3 days. The cultures were considered positive when smooth creamy white colonies were observed, and negative when no colonies were seen. Results: The culture test of 48 (55.17%) individuals was positive for Candida species. The results obtained showed that the frequency of occurrence of Candida species was more in poorly controlled diabetics when compared to moderately and well controlled diabetic individuals. Conclusion: Oral Candidal prevalence was higher in diabetic patients, and the carriage rate increased as the glycemic control worsened.

Keywords: Candida, Diabetes mellitus, Glycemic control, Prevalence, Saborauds dextrose agar.