Incidence and prevalence of oral candidal colonization in patients with cleft lip and palate

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess and compare the incidence and rate of oral candidal colonization in patients with cleft lip and palate and collate it with healthy individuals. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the factors that may affect the incidence, rate, and polycolonity of colonization of oral Candida species in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) as compared to healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current prospective study involved the collection and assessment of oral samples from 50 CLP patients and compared it with oral samples from 50 healthy individuals. Colonies of Candida albicans and other Candida species were identified by using germ tube test and differential chromogenic media. Assessment of the distribution trend of various Candida species and their variation based on age, gender, type of cleft, number of surgeries, and oral hygiene status were recorded. RESULTS: A highly significant (P value < 0.001) statistical difference was seen in the oral carriage rate of Candida species between the two groups with values more in the study group (60.75 ± 71.43) than in controls (1.62 ± 2.22). Individually comparing the different Candida species, significant difference in presence of C albicans (P value = 0.004), C parapsilosis (P value = 0.015), and C dubliensis (P value = 0.027) was seen as compared to other species. In the context of the type of cleft and the presence of Candida species Candida albicans was the most prevalent in patients with the cleft alveolus (60.0% n = 15), unilateral CLP (66.7% n = 8), and bilateral CLP (100.0% n = 3) respectively. Nonsignificant variation in prevalence was seen in the various fungal species based on an individual’s gender and oral hygiene and the number of surgeries status was observed. CONCLUSION: The anatomical alteration in the oral cavity of patients with CLP contributes to the high incidence and prevalence of Candida species.