Molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida species isolated from dental plaques.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to provide insight into the prevalence and susceptibility profiles of Candida species isolated from the dental plaque of Iranian immunocompetent patients. As a biofilm, Candida species are responsible for several disorders common to the oral cavity including gingivitis, dental caries, periodontitis, and the less common severe systemic infections specifically in immunosuppressed individuals.

Method: PCR-RFLP was performed to identify yeasts isolated from the dental plaques of 40 immunocompetent patients. Moreover, antifungal susceptibility testing was performed in according to CLSI guidelines (M27-A3).

Results: Among 40 yeasts isolated from the dental plaques of immunocompetent patients, Candida albicans was the most common species (92.5%), followed by P. kudriavzevii (7.5%). It is the first isolation of P. kudriavzevii from dental plaques and the first evaluation of antifungal effect of the new imidazole, luliconazole and echinocandins against these samples worldwide. Luliconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B and anidulafungin showed the best activity with the lowest geometric mean (GM) 0.03, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.09μg/ml, respectively, followed by miconazole (0.14μg/mL), caspofungin (0.24μg/mL) fluconazole (0.38μg/mL) and itraconazole (0.5μg/mL).

Conclusion: The current study demonstrated luliconazole and echinocandins displayed excellent activity against all Candida isolates from dental plaques, presenting promising and potent alternative for all oral Candidiasis.