Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the the prevalence of in vitro resistance amongstCandida species isolated from the oral cavity of denture wearers. The in vitrosusceptibility of 156 Candida isolates to amphotericin B, fluconazole, 5- fluorocytosine, caspofungin and terbinafine was determined. The Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute’ (CLSI; formally National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards) broth microdilution method was used and MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ determined. Candida albicans, the most frequently isolated strains, are sensitive to amphotericin (61%) and fluconazole (44%), frequently used agents in the treatment of Candida-associated denture stomatitis. A 100% susceptibility to 5-fluorocytosine was observed among the 109 isolates of C. albicans. Among non C. albicans strains only 1 Candida kefyr strain was determined as susceptible dependent upon dose for 5-fluorocytosine. Among Candida glabrata, the second most common isolate, a 100% susceptibility to caspofungin and 5-fluorocytosine were observed. Since the isolates are sensitive to Caspofungin and 5-fluorocytosine, rarely used in the treatment of oral fungal infections, it is suggested that these antifungal agents be used as alternative medicine in the treatment of oral infections especially caused by strains resistant to amphotericin B and fluconazole.

Key words: Candida species, antifungal, denture wearers.