Differences in candidal carriage and speciation among diabetic smokers, diabetic nonsmokers and controls: A study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the difference in carriage and species recognition of Candida in diabetic smokers, diabetic nonsmokers, and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Nonstimulated whole saliva was used from 75 subjects. Imprint culture and cytosmears were sampled from the buccal mucosa. Isolation was performed on Sabouraud's dextrose agar media and various biochemical tests were performed for identification of Candida species. Cytosmears were stained by periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Grocott's Methenamine silver (GMS) stains to evaluate the presence of candidal organisms. Results: Candidal isolation was more in diabetic smokers (72%). Candida albicans was the dominant species in all subjects (84.7%). GMS stain (74.66%) was more specific than PAS stain (29.33%) in fungal identification of cytosmears. Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that alterations in oral mucosa of diabetic smokers could provide increased attachment of Candida . Grocott's stained smears demonstrated Candida more readily than PAS stained smears and hence is suggested for a wider use.