title: Phenotypic variability and therapeutic implications of Candida species in patients with oral lichen planus.
abstract: We investigated the prevalence and phenotypic variation of Candida species in oral lichen planus (OLP) and the therapeutic implications of our findings. Eighty patients with clinically and histopathologically confirmed cases of OLP (64 non-erosive, 16 erosive) and a control group of 80 healthy individuals with no predisposing factors for oral candidiasis were examined for evidence of Candida infection. Oral swabs and smears were obtained for cytology and culture. Identification, speciation and antifungal susceptibility tests of Candida isolates were performed using an automated microbial identification system. Fifty percent of erosive OLP cases, 28% of non-erosive cases and none of the controls showed evidence of Candida. Candida albicans was found predominantly in non-erosive OLP, while other Candida species were predominate in erosive OLP. Non-Candida albicans isolates (C. glabrata, C. krusei) were resistant to the commonly used antifungals, clotrimazole and fluconazole. Candida infection is common in cases of OLP. We recommend antifungal sensitivity testing prior to antifungal therapy for the erosive form of OLP.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University , Kotadamansara, Selangor , Malaysia.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arora
authors.affiliation: b Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences , New Delhi , India.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Verma
authors.affiliation: b Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences , New Delhi , India.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.affiliation: b Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences , New Delhi , India.
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Urs
authors.affiliation: c Maulana Azad Medical College , New Delhi , India.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Dhakad
authors.affiliation: c Maulana Azad Medical College , New Delhi , India.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kaur
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002175:Candida / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D017676:Lichen Planus, Oral / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents
keywords: Candida; erosive oral lichen planus; non-erosive oral lichen planus; phenotypic variation; therapy