Identification of Candida albicans using different culture media and its association in leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma

CONTEXT: Candida, leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma. AIMS: The aim of the present study has assessed the association of Candida albicans with normal control group, leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions of the oral cavity by using cornmeal broth +5% milk and milk serum liquid culture media. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Thepresent study comprised of total 80 patients, which included, 30 patients of Leukoplakia, 30 patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma and normal control group comprised of 20 healthy individuals who were not having any relevant medical, dental and habit history. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Saliva and Biopsy was taken from clinically suspected leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions for the confirmation of histopathological diagnosis. Saliva samples were inoculated for fungal growth in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, and culture-positive samples had undergone for the germ tube test. Germ tube-positive samples were further taken for chlamydospore production in milk serum and cornmeal broth +5% milk media separately at 8 and 16 h. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test, Fischer extract test. RESULTS: In the normal control group, no fungus growth was found; however, leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma showed fungus growth with positive germ tube test and chlamydospore formation; the result also showed rapid and quantitatively more chlamydospore formation in cornmeal broth +5% milk in comparison to serum milk culture media. There was no growth of Candida in mild and moderate form of leukoplakia. Whereas in a severe form of leukoplakia, there was more quantitative chlamydospore growth in cornmeal broth +5% milk liquid media. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we have tried to compare the efficacy of cornmeal broth +5% milk and milk serum for the identification of C. albicans. Both the culture media were able to promote the growth of chlamydospore in C. albicans. Among different grades of leukoplakia, the growth of C. albicans was seen in severe dysplastic patient only while mild and moderate dysplasia showed no Candidal growth.