Presence Of Candida Albicans Research Articles

The effect of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>, <i>Candida albicans</i> and other cariesogenic factors on the concentration of cathelicidin LL-37 in oral fluid in children with early childhood caries

BACKGROUND: Human antimicrobial peptides play a significant role in innate immunity. In the oral cavity salivary glands and mucosal epithelium produce human antimicrobial peptides, including defensins and cathelicidin LL-37. Cathelicidin is the most significant peptide protecting against different types of infections, controls the activity of commensal bacteria and prevents colonization and growth of pathogenic bacteria. AIM: To determine the concentration of cathelicidin LL-37 in the oral fluid of children 2–5 years old and the oral hygiene index depending on some of the parameters and intensity of the carious process in the oral cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of children aged 2-5 years old; the concentration of catelicidine in the oral fluid was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Moreover, the concentration of Streptococcus mutans in saliva, the presence of Candida albicans in dental plaque, oral hygiene index and the concentration of 25-hydroxycalciferol in venous blood were assessed in these children. RESULTS: The stydy revealed the dependence of the concentration of cathelicidin in the oral fluid on the intensity of the carious process in children as well as on the concentration of Streptococcus mutans in saliva, the presence of Candida albicans in plaque and poor oral hygiene. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that in children with high intensity of caries, the concentration of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is twice lower than in children with low and medium intensity of early childhood caries.

Fungal Infection of the Oral Cavity by Candida Albicans in Patients Wearing a Removable Dental Prosthesis

Permanent wearing of a removable prosthesis can be a source of mechanical irritation, which will lead to the appearance of pathological conditions. These conditions can be of several types but the most common are oral candidiasis with Candida albicans. As part of the scientific research, we have begun a practical study that aims to establish the relationship between the wearing of a removable denture and the colonization of the oral cavity by Candida albicans. This study was carried out in collaboration with the central laboratory of parasitology –mycology of the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center of Rabat (CHU) and assistant prosthesis department of the clinic of the Faculty of Dentistry of Rabat. The present study was carried out on 45 specimens from the oral cavity in subjects with a removable prosthesis. We observed that most subjects affected by oral candidiasis had inflammation in the oral cavity and these subjects did not have adequate oral hygiene. 30% of these subjects had chronic diseases and 20% of male subjects were smokers. Most subjects with prostheses older than 10 years were the most affected. Mycological examination of the samples made allowed us to note 35.5% of fungal infection by the genus Candida and 27% by the species Candida Albicans. C. albicans was the most isolated yeast representing 75% of the yeasts isolated in this study, followed by C. famata, after C.tropicalis with a lower frequency and finally C.dubluensis with the lowest frequency. We also observed a relationship between the nocturnal use of the prosthesis and the presence of Candida albicans, indeed most subjects affected by oral candidiasis kept their prostheses during the night.

Review of Virulence Factors in Candida

Candida albicans is a prevalent commensal fungus that inhabits various anatomical regions, including the oropharyngeal cavity, gastrointestinal and vaginal tract, as well as the skin of persons in good condition. C. albicans is present in the normal flora of the microbiota in around 50% of the population. The clinical presentations of Candida species encompass a spectrum of symptoms, spanning from localized. The spectrum of mucocutaneous issues ranges from superficial to invasive disorders that impact many organ systems and present a substantial threat to human life. Disruptions in the normal homeostasis of Candida can be attributed to a range of reasons, encompassing systemic and local factors as well as genetic and environmental influences.
 These disruptions ultimately lead to a shift from a state of normal flora to the development of Infections caused by pathogens and opportunistic agents. The initiation and advancement of infection are regulated by the virulence characteristics of Candida, which play a role in the emergence of candidiasis. Oral candidiasis presents with a wide range of symptoms, which can be classified into major and minor types. The gastrointestinal tract is the main reservoir for Candida albicans in the human body. Infection occurs due to an imbalance in the local microbiota, impaired immune function, and damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier. Candidaemia, a term used to describe invasive infections caused by candida, is associated with the presence of Candida albicans in the bloodstream. The mutual relationship remains intact by maintaining a balance between the host immune system and C. albicans virulence factors. This study investigates the virulence traits exhibited by Candida albicans. These components have a significant impact on the development of disorders.

Identification of Candida albicans and non-MRSA Staphylococcus aureus in free-living amoebae isolated from the hospital wards; an alarm for distribution of nosocomial infections via FLA

ABSTRACT Free-living amoebae (FLA) are isolated from the hospital environments and known as Trojan horses for medical essential microorganisms. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the presence of FLA and two critical agents of nosocomial infections, in the hospital wards. Sixty samples were collected from four communities and cultured onto non-nutrient agar (NNA). After total DNA extraction, FLA were characterized using PCR and sequencing. The presence of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated using real-time and conventional PCR, respectively. Acanthamoeba sp. was characterized in 30 (50%) samples. Two (6.6%) and one (3.3%) samples were positive for Vahlkampfiidae and Vermamoeba vermiformis, respectively . S. aureus was detected in 13 (43.3%) of samples, while none of them were positive for methicillin-resistant gene. C. albicans DNA was detected in one (3.3%) FLA-positive sample. The isolation of FLA from hospital suggests an essential role these eukaryotes in the inter-ward circulation of nosocomial infections.

Molecular Identification of Candida albicans in Endodontic Retreatment Cases by SYBR Green I Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction and its Association with Endodontic Symptoms.

Recent microbiological studies have expressed ever-increasing concerns about Candida albicans as a causal factor in the failure of endodontic treatments. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), including the SYBR Green I system, is a technique in which a fluorescent dye is incorporated into the double-stranded DNA that is produced during DNA polymerase activity. This study aimed to determine the relative prevalence of Candida albicans in root canals of retreatment cases and its association with endodontic symptoms. In the present cross-sectional/analytical study fifty subjects were selected. Clinical features and radiographic status of the teeth were also evaluated. After access cavity preparation, the retrieved material and dentinal chips removed from the root canal were transferred into 1.5-mL microtubes, followed by storage at -20ºC until used for DNA extraction. A DNeasy Tissue Kit was used to extract DNA using the DNeasy protocol for animal tissues. Master Plus SYBR Green I (Jena Bioscience, Germany) was used in a Rotor-gene Real-time PCR System for real-time PCR. The relationship between the presence of Candida albicans and the clinical and radiographic features were analyzed using McNemar's test. There was a significant relationship between the radiographic findings in endodontically treated teeth and the presence of Candida albicans. However, there was no significant relationship between the presence of Candida albicans and any of the clinical symptoms. In spite of the limitations of this study, we concluded that Candida albicans was associated with root canal infections in endodontic retreatment cases, but there was no relationship between root canal infections and the clinical symptoms.

Prevalence of Candida albicans in High-Risk Human Papillomavirus-Positive Women: A Study in Diyarbakır Province, Turkey.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health concern due to its association with the development of cervical cancer. Although inflammation caused by Candida spp. has been shown to facilitate oncogenesis, the interactions between HPV and Candida spp. remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and genotype distribution of HR-HPV infection HR-HPV-positiveCandida albicans in HR-HPV-positive individuals in Diyarbakır province in Turkey. Cervical samples were taken from 350 participants aged 20-69 years who applied to Diyarbakır Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital, Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic. For detection of HPV presence and HR-HPV genotyping, PCR/direct cycle sequencing was used. E6/E7 mRNA expression of HPV-16, -18, -31, -33, and -45 was determined by type-specific real-time NASBA assay (NucliSENS EasyQ(®)HPV v1.1). The presence of Candida albicans in cervical specimens of HR-HPV-positive women was investigated by RAPD-PCR and culture methods. Results. Of the 350 women who participated in the study, 24% were HPV positive and 10.5% were found to be HR-HPV positive. HR-HPV positivity was most frequently detected in the age range of 40-49 years. Among HR-HPV-positive women, C. albicans was found in 59.4%. Conclusion. The most frequent HR-HPV genotype was HPV16, followed by HPV31. Of women who tested positive for HR-HPV, C. albicans was discovered in 59.4%. C. albicans infection may occur when the immune system is weakened or the balance of the vaginal flora is disturbed, increasing tissue damage in the vaginal area and the risk of carcinogenesis of HR-HPV. Therefore, knowing the presence of Candida infection in HR-HPV-positive women is essential to plan the treatment and prevent the risk of secondary disease.

The Influence Comparison Of Steeping Green Tea Dregs (Camelia Sinensis (L.) Kuntze) And Steeping Rosella Tea Dregs (Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn) As Denture Cleaner Towards Candida Albicans Growth

Continuous use of dentures can hinder the cleaning process by the tongue and saliva, resulting in denture stomatitis. The main factor that causes denture stomatitis is the presence of Candida albicans. Green tea dregs and rosella tea dregs still contain compounds that have antifungal properties. Based on previous research, it was stated that green tea waste still contained polyphenols, flavonoids, gallic acid, catechins, EGCG, as well as rosella pulp also contained anthocyanins and phenolics. The presence of the following ingredients means that each infusion can reduce the amount of C. albicans growth. This research is a laboratory experimental study with 54 samples divided into 9 groups. The research group consisted of soaking samples of acrylic resin contaminated with C. albicans for 7 hours in the control group (sterile distilled water) and the treatment group, namely steeping green tea dregs with concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% and rosella tea dregs steeping 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% which were then tested by spectrophotometer to see the absorbance of C. albicans. The data obtained were analyzed by ANOVA showing p0.005 so that the LSD test continued, it could be seen that there were significant differences between each treatment group and the control group, which means that the steeping of green tea dregs and the steeping of rosella tea dregs at concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% affected the growth of C. albicans on heat-cured acrylic resin, but between groups of various concentrations of steeping tea dregs did not show a significant effect.

Bacteriophage-Ciprofloxacin Combination Effectiveness Depends on Staphylococcus aureus-Candida albicans Dual-Species Communities' Growth Model.

Alternative therapies against multidrug-resistant bacteria are widely investigated in the postantibiotic era. Polymicrobial biofilms formed by two or more species of bacteria or fungi pose an additional threat. The removal of such complex communities requires more effort and a multidirectional approach. In this study, the effectiveness of two bacteriophages vB_SauM-A (A) and vB_SauM-D (D) combined with ciprofloxacin was used to combat Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of Candida albicans both in liquid culture and biofilm. The results showed that phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS) led to the complete removal of S. aureus in liquid culture without bacterial population regrowth after 24 hours, and C. albicans enhanced this therapeutic effect. In a biofilm assay, C. albicans presence caused a decrease of bacterial eradication and a reduction of biofilm-specific activity (BSA). However, the strong effect of PAS was observed both in mono- and dual-species biofilm. Usage of phages and ciprofloxacin (1 mg/L) caused a 90% reduction of BSA of mono-species biofilm and 69% of dual-species biofilm. Phages alone resulted in a decrease of 71% and 48%, and ciprofloxacin (1 mg/L) alone resulted in 45% and 23% reduction, respectively. The influence of C. albicans on the PAS effect against S. aureus presented in this study was not previously investigated.

Genetic and phenotypic diversity of fecal Candida albicans strains in irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. Visceral hypersensitivity is thought to be responsible for pain complaints in a subset of patients. In an IBS-like animal model, visceral hypersensitivity was triggered by intestinal fungi, and lower mycobiota α-diversity in IBS patients was accompanied by a shift toward increased presence of Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yet, this shift was observed in hypersensitive as well as normosensitive patients and diversity did not differ between IBS subgroups. The latter suggests that, when a patient changes from hyper- to normosensitivity, the relevance of intestinal fungi is not necessarily reflected in compositional mycobiota changes. We now confirmed this notion by performing ITS1 sequencing on an existing longitudinal set of fecal samples. Since ITS1 methodology does not recognize variations within species, we next focused on heterogeneity within cultured healthy volunteer and IBS-derived C. albicans strains. We observed inter- and intra-individual genomic variation and partial clustering of strains from hypersensitive patients. Phenotyping showed differences related to growth, yeast-to-hyphae morphogenesis and gene expression, specifically of the gene encoding fungal toxin candidalysin. Our investigations emphasize the need for strain-specific cause-and-effect studies within the realm of IBS research.

Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis in Periodontitis in Adolescents and Young Adults

Aim This study aims to evaluate the association of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis with periodontitis in adolescents and young adults in a Moroccan population. Methods 426 subjects aged between 12 and 25 years were recruited for the study. A pool of plaque sample was taken. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud Chloramphenicol medium at 37°C for 24–48 hours and then identified by the Vitek 2 YST system. Clinical data and presence of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis were analyzed using Jamovi (Version 1.8). Results Candida albicans was observed in 25 subjects among 68 diseased patients (37%) and in 60 subjects among 358 healthy patients (17%). It can be reported that under normal yeast conditions, there is a statistically significant difference between these two groups (P < 0.001). Candida dubliniensis was more prevalent in periodontitis than in healthy subjects (P=0.026). Regarding clinical variables, subgroups of periodontitis subjects showed significant statistical differences for periodontal probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and number of decayed teeth in advanced periodontitis in comparison with initial or mild periodontitis. The results also indicate that the presence of the two species of Candida is not related to gender or age (P > 0.05) nor related to the severity of the periodontal disease in this population. Conclusion Within the limits of our study, Candida albicans is more frequently associated with periodontitis. The potential role of C. albicans in periodontitis pathogenesis is very complex. More studies on biofilm associated with different forms of periodontitis are necessary. It is also important to assess the coexistence of periodontitis and caries and the associated biofilms.

Occurrence of Candida albicans in Periodontitis.

Background Periodontal diseases are the result of an imbalance between the microbiota and immune defense. The role of yeast in the pathogenesis of these diseases has been studied. This study aims to assess the occurrence of Candida albicans in periodontitis. Materials and Methods Fifty subjects were recruited for the study (15 healthy individuals and 35 periodontitis subjects). The periodontal examination and plaque sampling were carried out for all patients. Candida albicans identification was based on culture, direct examination, and polymerase chain reaction. The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results Twenty percent of the diseased group harbored Candida albicans which was slightly higher than in the healthy group (7%), suggesting that, under normal conditions, yeast does not grow easily in subgingival sites. However, no significant difference between the healthy and periodontitis groups (p=0.23) was found. Our results also indicated that the presence of Candida albicans was neither gender nor age related in the studied groups. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that Candida albicans occurs in periodontitis. More studies are needed to clarify the potential role of this yeast in different stages and forms of the disease.

Activity of Averrhoa Bilimbi L Leaf Extract as Denture Cleaner Towards The Number of Colonies of Candida Albicans in Heat Cured Resin with a 30 Minutes Period

Denture stomatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa thatgenerally occurs in users of removable dentures. The cause is multifactorialbut is often associated with the presence of Candida albicans. The mucosawhich is covered by the denture base also reduces the function of saliva whichfunctions as a cleanser for the oral cavity and results in food wasteaccumulating and microorganisms such as Candida albicans can increase innumber. Candida albicans is a normal flora of the oral cavity which is anopportunistic pathogen. The starfruit plant (Averrhoa billimbi l) is a naturalingredient that can be used as an antifungal agent. The aim was to determinethe ratio of the effectiveness of starfruit leaf extract (Averrhoa billimbi) betweenthe concentrations of 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 100%, control + (Clorhexidine) andcontrol - (Aquadest) in reducing the number of Candida albicans colonies. Thetest method used the dilution method, the colony count of Candida albicansusing a spectrophotometer. The results of the one way ANOVA statistical testresulted in a significance value of p = 0.000 (p &lt;0.05) which means that thereis a difference in the average concentration of Candida albicans between theextract concentrations of 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 100%, control + and control. -namely 6.78 ± 0.35, 6.27 ± 0.21, 4.89 ± 0.29, 1.01 ± 0.18, 0.59 ± 0.19 and 9.13± 2.28 in inhibiting growth Candida albicans and this was confirmed by theTukey HSD posthoc test. The conclusion of this study is that there is adifference between the antifungal effectiveness of starfruit leaf extract(Averrhoa billimbi) concentrations of 12.5%, 25%, 50% and 100% in inhibitingthe growth of Candida albicans colonies.

Inhibitory Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8724 towards Streptococcus mutans- and Candida albicans-Induced Caries in Rats.

Streptococcus mutans is a recognized cariogenic bacterium and a major producer of biofilm matrix. The presence of Candida albicans in dental plaque with S. mutans enhances the virulence leading to the onset of rampant caries which is similar to early childhood caries (ECC). The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8724 (CCFM8724) on the treatment and prevention of dental caries induced by S. mutans and C. albicans in vivo. Rats were divided into 6 groups: the control group and model group, 2 treatment groups, and 2 prevention groups (0.02% chlorhexidine or CCFM8724). The fluctuation of microbial colonization and the change of bacteria flora in rat oral cavity after sowing of L. plantarum CCFM8724 were investigated by colony-forming units (CFU) and microflora analysis. The caries of rats were assessed by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and Keyes scoring method. The results showed that L. plantarum CCFM8724 in both the treatment and prevention groups could significantly decrease the population of S. mutans and C. albicans in the rats' oral cavity (p < 0.001), the mineral loss of enamel (p < 0.05), and the scores of caries (p < 0.05). Besides, L. plantarum CCFM8724 exhibited better effects than chlorhexidine. Hence, L. plantarum CCFM8724 was proved to be a potential oral probiotic on caries treatment and prevention in vivo and it may have the prospect of application in dental caries (especially ECC) prevention products.

Combination of candida vulvovaginitis and bacterial vaginosis: optimization of diagnostics and treatment for the women of genesial age

The objective: increase of efficiency of diagnostics and treatment of combination of candida vulvovaginitis and bacterial vaginosis for the women of genesial age on the basis of study of new aspects of pathogeny and improvement of algorithm of prognostic and treatment-and-prophylactic measures.Materials and methods. Researches carried stage-by-stage character. The I stage is development of the special questionnaire for a selection, account and bringing of master data. In it taken into account: age, social information, anthropometric descriptions, anamnesis of gynaecological diseases, somatic pathology. II stage is the conducted selection 150 women with the identical clinical displays of candida vulvovaginitis and bacterial vaginosis, which before did not treat oneself and produced characteristic complaints about appearance of pathological excretions from sexual ways, itch of vulva, burning at urination. At gynaecological examination: hyperemia, edema of vulva, mucous membranes of vagina and cervix of uterus, «curd» or watery excretions. III stage is an estimation of the got material and setting of treatment. On every woman «Map of clinical-laboratory researches», in which brought in information of anamnesis, results of inspection from history of illness and ambulatory card, was led, to the fame about a presence and completion of inflammatory diseases of organs of small pelvis, results of bacteriological, microbiological, taking about tactic of conduct and result of treatment.For comparison of efficiency of treatment 150 patients with identical clinical displays and presence of Candida albicans, non-albicans and «key» cages part on 3 groups. Estimation of efficiency of the algorithm improved by us was conducted on three criteria: general state and feel of patients, clinical information (information of anamnesis and gynaecological review), laboratory and backterioscopy information. All methods of research answered ethics standards, developed in accordance with Helsinki declaration of the World medical association «Ethics principles of leadthrough of scientific medical researches with participation of man».Results. For early diagnostics of combination of vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis the use of a twostage method of individual prognostication is needed on the basis of model of mathematical structural boolean algebra with the obligatory estimation of the most informing indexes: expression of molecules of adhesion of vascular walls (VCAM-1) and intercellular molecules of adhesion (ICAM-1); concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokines (4, 6 and 8).Conclusion. With the purpose of increase of efficiency of treatment of combination of vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis the additional use is needed 1–2 hours prior to the combined therapy of local correction 0,01% solution of preparation of miramictine. Efficiency of the use for women at combination of vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis of the combined anti-inflammatory therapy (miconazole and metronidazole) is 92,0%; in combination with probiotic – 98,0% and with immunocorrector of local action – 100,0%.

Antimicrobial Activity and the Effect of Green Tea Experimental Gels on Teeth Surfaces

Among esthetic procedures, teeth whitening is a common and often used treatment for patients who seek good teeth appearance. We developed an experimental green tea extract and an experimental green tea gel for enamel restoring treatment after bleaching. We also tested the antibacterial and antifungal effect of the experimental extract against specific endodontic and cariogenic microorganisms. The green tea extract antibacterial action was determined by the disk-diffusion method using Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (ATCC27337), Corynebacterium xerosis (ATCC 373), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) strains. Enamel microstructure was investigated by SEM analysis, and surface details were revealed by AFM. The inhibition zones around the wells showed evident antimicrobial activity of the experimental extract. In the presence of Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), the extract showed no antifungal activity. The enamel’s surface roughness and hydroxyapatite prism aspects were the parameters followed throughout the study. The experimental green tea extract is efficient against some microorganisms commonly found in the oral cavity. However, the studied extract had no antifungal effect. The results show that after bleaching with the experimental gel, we obtained the best surface parameters, similar to healthy enamel.

Evaluating the Risk of Candida albicans Associated with Gestation amongst Women in Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria

Candidiasis is increasingly affecting women in developing countries, due to several factors relating to environmental and physiological conditions of the individual. Knowledge of the factors influencing the epidemiology of Candida spp. will be useful in formulating public health measures targeted at reducing the incidence of Candidiasis. This study was therefore conducted to determine the prevalence of Candida albicans amongst women in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in order to decipher the epidemiology of Candida albicans in relation to age and gestation. A total of seventy (140) vaginal swab samples were collected from 70 pregnant and 70 non-pregnant women in Port Harcourt, and analyzed using standard microbiological methods. The result showed that 36% of the total women studied had Candida albicans while 64% were negative. In the overall analysis, the distribution of the yeast was 43% prevalent in pregnant and 29% in non-pregnant women. The risk of Candidiasis in pregnancy was evaluated using the Odds Ratio (OR) and was determined to be 1.88. Also, a paired sample t-test indicated a positive and strong statistical relationship between age distribution and the presence of Candida albicans in women, with a correlation coefficient of 0.911 (91.1%) (&lt; 0.05), indicating a higher incidence among the older group, albeit lower in age groups close to menopause. The study concluded that the prevalence is higher in pregnant women, with a significant relationship with age. Regular screening of women for Candida spp. should be advocated and women should as well avoid conditions that dispose them to genital tract infections.

Contraception as a Risk Factor of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection Among Women Attending Outpatient of Al-Batool Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children-Baqubah-Iraq

Background:The effects of contraception on Trichomonas vaginalis have important implications for women who suffer from infections associated with disruptions in the vaginal ecology, such as bacterial vaginitis and urinary tract infections.&#x0D; Objective: To find the association of the common types of contraceptions with the Trichomonasvaginalis infection in women admitted to the Al-BatoolTeaching Hospital for Maternity and Children in Baqubah city.&#x0D; Type of study: Cross-sectional study&#x0D; Methods: This study consist of 75 women with contraception use and71 apparently healthy non contraception user women admitted to outpatient in Al-Batool Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children in Baqubah City, Diyala. Iraq during the period from 1st January 2016 till 31th December 2016. After full history and clinical examination, high vaginal swab took from posterior fornix of vagina and general urine examination, all samples were examined by wet mount preparation under the microscope for the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis and gram-stained smears for the presence of Candida albicans, then all results were recorded.&#x0D; Results:. Minimum age was 18 year and maximum was 47 year, infection rate of Trichomonas vaginalis was 41(45.66%) among contraception user and 6(8.45%) among contraception non- user while Candida albicans was 18(24%) and 1(1.40%) respectively, the highest frequency of infection 23 cases was diagnosed in the age group (29-39 year) among contraception user while 4 cases in age group (18-28) contraception non-user. On the other hand there was no significant correlation between age, parity, duration of marriage and infection and using of contraception. Marginal significant correlation between the type of contraception and infection with Trichomonas vaginalis. While no significant correlation between types of contraception, infection and duration of contraception use. &#x0D; Conclusion: Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis significantly correlated to use of intrauterine contraceptive device and combined oral contraceptive pills, so great attention should be paid to those women for diagnosis and treatment.

2556 Duodenal Candidiasis Presenting as Mass-Like Lesion: A Rare Presentation

INTRODUCTION: Candida is a normal inhabitant in the GI tract. It is typical for candidiasis to appear in the esophagus and oropharynx in immunocompromised patients. However, candidiasis of the stomach or duodenum is rare. We report a case of a gastric outlet and biliary obstruction due to a duodenal mass-like lesion in the setting of duodenal candidiasis. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: Patient is a 66 year old female with past medical history of diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension and osteoarthritis who presented to the hospital with progressive non-bloody vomiting, poor oral intake and constipation for two months. She endorsed abdominal pain and yellowing of the eyes and skin. Her vitals on admission were normal. Physical exam was pertinent for diffuse abdominal tenderness and scleral icterus. Her laboratory findings were significant for AST of 137 U/L, ALT of 130 U/L, alkaline phosphatase of 205 U/L, total bilirubin of 8.9 mg/dL and direct bilirubin of 5.3 mg/dL. Abdominal CT scan showed duodenal thickening with possible mass-like lesion causing gastric outlet obstruction. MRI of the abdomen and MRCP only showed duodenal wall thickening. She had a subsequent EGD that showed mild gastric erythema and a mass like lesion in the duodenum hindering the visualization of the papilla. Biopsy results were significant for active chronic duodenitis with presence of Candida albicans. Gastric biopsy was positive for H. pylori infection. The patient was treated with a 21 day course of Fluconazole followed by bismuth based quadruple therapy. Follow-up EGD showed resolution of the duodenal lesion. At two months follow up after treatment, the patient had no symptoms and liver enzymes were normal. DISCUSSION: Candida is part of the normal flora of the GI tract and commonly causes infection in the mouth and esophagus. Stomach and duodenal infections are less common due to their relatively acidic environment creating a harsh environment for the fungal species to grow and cause disease. However, immunocompromised patients and patients on acid suppressive therapy are vulnerable to opportunistic candidal infection. The long standing history of diabetes may have predisposed patient to the infection. In conclusion, our case highlights a rare presentation of a duodenal candidal infection; mass-like lesion causing gastric outlet and biliary obstruction. This case should serve as a reminder to clinicians to keep candidiasis in the differentials for duodenal infections especially in diabetic patients.

Prevalence of Candida albicans in primary endodontic infections associated with a higher frequency of apical periodontitis in type two diabetes mellitus patients

To identify the prevalence of C. albicans in primary endodontic infections of type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and compare their clinical and radiographical characteristics with a non-diabetic control group, establishing the possible relationship between primary endodontic infection, T2DM, and C. albicans, since diabetes mellitus (DM), influences the development, course, and response to the treatment of apical periodontitis, but the presence of Candida albicans (C. albicans) has not been considered before. A total of 120 patients were selected and divided into two groups: 60 T2DM diagnosed patients and 60 non-diabetic controls. A clinical examination and radiographic analysis were performed to establish a periapical index score (PAI). Root canal samples were taken. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted, and specific primers were used to identify C. albicans by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A twofold increase in the prevalence of C. albicans in T2DM patients was observed in contrast to control patients (p = 0.0251). Sixty-five percent of T2DM patients with positive C. albicans scored a ≥ 3 PAI, while only 27% of the patients without C. albicans had a ≥ 3 PAI score (p = 0.0065). Long-term DM patients presented C. albicans more frequently (p < 0.0001). In this study, long-term T2DM patients carried C. albicans in their root canals more frequently when having a primary endodontic infection. Furthermore, this C. albicans presence seems to be related to a higher frequency of apical periodontitis.

Candida albicans-Cell Interactions Activate Innate Immune Defense in Human Palate Epithelial Primary Cells via Nitric Oxide (NO) and β-Defensin 2 (hBD-2).

The presence of Candida albicans in the biofilm underlying the dental prosthesis is related to denture stomatitis (DS), an inflammatory reaction of the oral mucosa. The oral epithelium, a component of the innate immune response, has the ability to react to fungal invasion. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro effect of viable C. albicans on the apoptosis, nitric oxide (NO) production, and β-defensin 2 (hBD-2) expression and production of human palate epithelial cells (HPECs). We further determined whether or not these effects were correlated with fungal invasion of epithelial cells. Interaction between HPEC primary culture and C. albicans was obtained through either direct or indirect cell–cell contact with a supernatant from a hyphal fungus. We found that the hyphae supernatants were sufficient to induce slight HPEC apoptosis, which occurred prior to the activation of the specific mechanisms of epithelial defense. The epithelial defense responses were found to occur via NO and antimicrobial peptide hBD-2 production only during direct contact between C. albicans and HPECs and coincided with the fungus’s intraepithelial invasion. However, although the hBD-2 levels remained constant in the HPEC supernatants over time, the NO release and hBD-2 gene expression were reduced at a later time (10 h), indicating that the epithelial defense capacity against the fungal invasion was not maintained in later phases. This aspect of the immune response was associated with increased epithelial invasion and apoptosis maintenance.