Oral Candida colonization in renal disease patients between diabetes and non-diabetes; a comparative study

Introduction: Oral colonization with fungi requires attainment from the oral atmosphere, attachment and growth replication but host defense acts to remove or kill invading fungi. This function is hampered in renal failure patients. This is the reason why in case of immune system defects, a rise in Candida colonization is seen. Oral candidiasis is a common opportunistic infection in immune-suppressed and immune-compromised patients. Objectives: This study is planned to see the existence of Candida in different renal conditions with diabetic and non-diabetic etiology. Patients and Methods: The study comprises a total of 45 patients, which includes 15 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, 15 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and 15 renal transplanted patients. Each group is further divided as diabetic (group 1) and non-diabetic (group 2). Whole saliva samples were cultured on Candida chrome agar. Results: Each group showed positivity for Candida species with the highest positivity of a total of 67% in CKD group. The diabetic group (group 1) showed 64% positivity and non-diabetic group (group 2) showed 55% positivity respectively. Conclusion: Immunosuppression states like CKD, ESRD and renal transplant recipients are associated with increased risk of oral Candida colonization and diabetic further worsens this occurrence.