An ecological study on Candida in the oral cavity

Abstract

Quantitative studies on Candida in healthy oral cavities were carried out. A new method was designed which enables more candida to be collected than before.1. Detection of Candida in the oral cavity: Successive inspection for 10 days was done on 10 patients. In 4 cases it was detected in gargle and centrifugal sediment; in 2 cases it was detected in the sediment only; in 4 cases it was undetectable in either material.Daily fluctuation of the candida count was not found. The candida count in gargle showed a normal distribution. The count was highest on the surface of tongue.2. Relation between candida and lactobacillus counts: A positive correlation was shown between those in gargle and on the surface of tongue.3. Influence of antibiotics on the counts of candida and lactobacillus and on candidiasis: Administration of antibiotics under the same conditions resulted in a distinct difference between 2 groups-detectable and undetectable before antibiotics administration.The most increased count was of C. albicans and this increase was strongly related to the appearence of candidiasis.The significance of candida detection in the oral cavity before antibiotic administration was discussed.