Isolation of candida species, identification of candida albicans and their characterization among brocnchodialator users

Oral candidal infection is common among bronchodialator users irrespective of whether they use it as puff or as nebulizer. There are several theories and hypothesis on the role of Candida albicans in the oral cancer and initiation of oral malignancy. Though Candida has a pathogenic role in the oral cavity, C.albicans nitrosation are able to convert chemical compounds which are able to trigger proto oncogenes and initiate malignancy2 Aim: In the current study we aim to find out the different species of Candida that colonize the oral cavity of patients on broncho dialtors. Material and Methods: Saliva sample of the patients (n=40) were collected and was serially diluted, inoculated onto SDA. Isolates were then sub cultured onto HiChrome Candida Agar for identification. Other tests of identification like germ tube test and carbhohydrate fermentation tests were also carried out. Results: It was noted that out of 40 samples 37 samples had Candida growth. In the present study it can be seen that Candida albicans is isolated from 29 samples from 30 puff users and 2 samples from the 10 nebulizer users. Conclusion: In our study we found that 97 % patients who are puff users had Candida albicans. The chances of the yeast triggering proto oncogene cannot be ignored.