title: Frequency of Candidiasis and Colonization ofCandida albicansin Relation to Oral Contraceptive Pills.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Candidiasis, the infection caused byCandida albicans, is one of the most common infections of the oral cavity in humans. Candidiasis causes irritation and is known for its carcinogenic effects. Thus, it is important to recognize the predisposing factors for this opportunistic infection. Several previous studies have demonstrated an increased frequency of vaginal candidiasis in relation to oral contraceptive consumption.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Only a few studies on the relation between oral contraceptives and oral candidiasis have been previously conducted. This study aims to evaluate the possible relation between oral contraceptive pills and oral candidiasis.
  
  
  METHODS
  This analytic, case-control study included 40 non-pregnant women divided into two groups: 20 who used oral contraceptive pills and 20 who did not. The groups were matched according to age, oral health, and past and present medical history. Samples were collected from the tongue's dorsum using a cotton swab and inoculated on CHROMagar culture plates. The frequency of positive cultures and the number ofCandidacolonies were compared between the two groups using independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney statistical tests with SPSS18 software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The frequency of positive cultures ofCandida albicanswas higher (P value = 0.03) for the case group. Also, the number ofC. albicansandC. kruseiwas significantly higher for the case group compared to the control group (P value = 0.04, P value = 0.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of the present study demonstrate that oral contraceptives containing estradiol can lead toCandidacolonization in the oral cavity. It is recommended that further studies comparing the influence of oral contraceptives onCandida'sadherence to the epithelium is highly recommended.
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Department, School of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan, Isfahan, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Atousa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aminzadeh
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Department, School of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan, Isfahan, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sabeti Sanat
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Department, School of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan, Isfahan, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Saeed
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nik Akhtar
keywords: Candida albicans; Fungi Colonization; Oral Contraceptives