Prevalence of Candida albicans Infection in the Oral Cavity among Dental Clinic Patients in Taiz City, Yemen

Abstract

Oral candidiasis is one of the most common oral disease of human caused by Candida albicans, and can cause superficial infection. Objective: The present study was done to evaluate the prevalence of Candida albicans infection in the oral cavity among dental clinic patients in Taiz city, Yemen. And determining the sensitivity of the isolated Candida albicans to some antifungal drugs and plant extracts. Methods: A total (200) specimens with oral candidiasis have been collected from dental patients by using the oral rinse technique, from October 2021 to January 2022. Diagnosed by dentist of clinics and hospitals, and identified by microbiological procedures. Results: Most of the isolates were Candida albicans representing in 101(50.5%) of total oral sample isolates. The non-Albicans species are the second most common representing in 51(25.5%). The remaining oral sample isolates are of non-yeast growth representing in 48(24%). Fluconazole and Itraconazole have been tested against 20 isolates of C. albicans. All the drugs, examined in vitro, show antifungal sensitivity that shows (80%). Plant extracts of Salvadora persica and Commiphora myrrha have been tested against 20 isolates of C.albicans. Four concentration of alcoholic extracts for investigated plants show antifungal activity in vitro better than aqueous extracts. Conclusions: Candida albicans were the most prevalent isolate from oral cavity of dental patients with oral candidiasis. Plant extracts of Salvadora persica and Commiphora myrrha show antifungal activity in vitro.