Frequency and factors associated with oral Candida growth in patients with chronic kidney disease

Introduction: Yeasts of the genus Candida, especially Candida albicans, are responsible for oral infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Candida colonization can lead to oral candidiasis and, in severe cases, to esophageal or systemic candidiasis. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis and immunosuppression increase the risk of oral infections, such as candidiasis. CKD is a highly prevalent pathology, and patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis are more prone to suffer oral complications due to alterations in oral health habits and defense mechanisms. Objective: To relate risk factors and clinical characteristics of patients with chronic kidney disease to the frequency of oral Candida.Methods: This study is framed within a cross-sectional and analytical design, including a total of 21 patients over 18 years of age who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis treatment at the HIGA “Presidente Perón”. Samples of biofilm from the gingival sulcus and buccal mucosa were collected from each participant using standardized sampling techniques.Results: A predominance of C. albicans (46%) and C. parapsilosis (40%) was observed. The variables that showed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) were: age (p = 0.002), smoking (p = 0.032), time on peritoneal dialysis (p = 0.005), oral hygiene (p = 0.003), oral health (p = 0.003) and maximum probing depth (p = 0.011).Conclusions: We were able to demonstrate a relationship between oral Candida and CKD, in addition to its association with various risk factors. C. albicans and C. parapsilosis species were the most frequent, especially in women and smokers with prolonged peritoneal dialysis treatment.