A Comparative Evaluation of Subgingival Occurrence of Candida Species in Chronic Periodontitis and Peri-implantitis: A Clinical and Microbiological Study

Abstract

Aims: To determine the distribution of subgingival occurrence of Candida species in chronic periodontitis and peri-implantitis. Materials and methods: A total of 20 patients with chronic periodontitis and 20 patients with peri-implantitis were evaluated. Periodontal parameters that include mean periodontal or peri-implant pocket depth, mean clinical attachment level or relative attachment level, mean gingival index, and mean plaque index were evaluated. Pooled subgingival sample from the deepest pockets using sterile paper points and sterile curettes was obtained from each patient and immediately streaked on to Sabouraud’s dextrose agar. Species identification was done by colony color on Chrom agar medium and Dalmau plate culture technique on corn meal agar. Results: In periodontitis, the prevalence of Candida species in periodontal pockets was 26.8%, while in peri-implantitis, it is 27.2%. Comparing the prevalence of various sub-species of Candida between the two groups, we did not find any significant statistical differences. Also, there were no significant statistical differences between the two groups in terms of mean plaque index, mean gingival index, mean probing depth, and mean CAL (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Candida albicans was the most common Candida species isolated from both the groups. It is followed by Candida dubliniensis, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis. No significant statistical difference was detected in the Candida count between the two groups.