Candida infection in oral leukoplakia: an unperceived public health problem |
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Authors: | Ayomi Dilhari Anusha Siriwardhana Oshanthi Maheshika Chinthika Gunasekara Sunil Karunathilaka |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka;2. Oral and Maxillofacial Unit, Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka |
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Abstract: | Objectives: The study aimed to determine the proportion, known risk factors and etiology for Candida infection in leukoplakia lesions among patients with oral leukoplakia attending the Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka.Materials and methods: Eighty clinically suspected oral leukoplakia patients were included. Two oral swabs each, from leukoplakia patients: one swab from the lesion and the other one from the contralateral unaffected corresponding area (as a control) were collected. Direct microscopy and culture followed by colony count and phenotypic identification were performed to identify pathogenic Candida species.Results: Candida infection was seen in 47% of patients with oral leukoplakia. Candida albicans (94.7%) was the most common Candida species followed by Candida tropicalis (5.3%). Majority of Candida-infected lesions were seen in the buccal mucosa region. Alteration of taste (p?=?0.021), having other oral lesions (p?=?0.008), angular cheilitis (p?=?0.024) and periodontitis (p?=?0.041) showed a significant association with Candida-associated leukoplakia. Increasing age showed a significant tendency for Candida infection (p?=?0.020). Smoking (p?=?0.026) and betel-quid chewing (p?=?0.006) were also found to be significantly associated, although alcohol consumption alone did not show a significant association. Oral leukoplakia patients who had all three habits: alcohol consumption, smoking and betel-quid chewing had a significant association with Candida infection (p?=?0.004).Conclusions: Patients who had a combination of risk factors: smoking, betel-quid chewing and alcohol consumption were seen to have a significant association with Candida infection. Further betel-quid chewing alone and smoking singly was also significantly associated with Candida infection in oral leukoplakia. |
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Keywords: | Candida oral leukoplakia risk factors Sri Lanka |
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