Antifungal activity of propolis against Candida species isolated from cases of chronic periodontitis.

Ricardo Romulo Batista MARINHO,Sheila ABREU,Raniel Fernandes PEIXOTO,Bruno César de Vasconcelos GURGEL,Ruth Karine Barroso SANTOS,Ana Beatriz Sotero SIQUEIRA,Larissa Rodrigues Nolasco de Araújo RODRIGUEZ

doi:10.1590/1807-3107bor-2015.vol29.0083

Abstract

This research evaluated the fungistatic and fungicidal activities of red propolis alcoholic extract (RPAE) against different Candida species isolated from chronic periodontitis cases, and compared with chlorhexidine (CHX). Nineteen samples of Candida species (C. albicans [n = 12], C. tropicalis [n = 5] and C. glabrata [n = 2]) isolated from chronic periodontitis cases were analyzed. The fungistatic and fungicidal activity of both RPAE and CHX were evaluated using fluconazole and C. parapsilosis (ATCC 6258) as a control. Fungistatic activity was analyzed based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) reference procedure to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations. Fungicidal activity was established according to the absence of fungal growth on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium. The fungistatic and fungicidal activities of RPAE were observed, respectively, at 32-64 μg/mL and 64-512 μg/mL for C. albicans, 64 μg/mL and 64-256 μg/mL for C. glabrata, and 32-64 μg/mL and 64 µg/mL for C. tropicalis. CHX fungistatic activity was observed at concentrations of 0.003-1.92 µg/mL for C. albicans, 1.92 µg/mL for C. glabrata, and 0.03-1.92 µg/mL for C. tropicalis. Fluconazole fungistatic activity ranged between 1-64 μg/mL, and fungicidal activity occurred at 8-64 μg/mL, for the three Candida species analyzed. All the Candida species were susceptible to RPAE antifungal activity, but five samples of C. albicans, one of C. tropicalis and one of C. glabrata were resistant to fluconazole antifungal activity. CHX showed fungistatic activity against all the Candida species analyzed. The antifungal potential of these substances suggests that they can be applied as an alternative treatment for diseases affected by these species.

Highlights

The presence of fungi, bacteria and viruses in dental biofilm can contribute to the progression of periodontal disease
All the samples of C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata were confirmed in regard to aspects of purification and taxonomy
The frequency rates of C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata in oral infections have been previously reported by other authors, who confirmed the susceptibility of the Candida species associated with chronic periodontitis to fluconazole.[16]

Summary

Introduction

The presence of fungi, bacteria and viruses in dental biofilm can contribute to the progression of periodontal disease. Some authors have reported the prevalence of bacteria associated with periodontitis,[1] but other studies have related the presence of fungi such as Candida. Individuals susceptible to primary infection have been reported to use an antifungal prophylaxis to prevent cases of recurrence.[4] Among the different chemical agents used, chlorhexidine has broad-spectrum antiseptic action It is used in maintaining periodontal therapy, and as a treatment adjuvant in scaling and root planing procedures.[5] The fungistatic activity of 0.12% chlorhexidine has been reported as preventing the growth of C. albicans on denture acrylic resin.[6]

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