Exploring Oral Colonization Of Candida Species In Diabetic Individuals In Erbil City, Iraq: A Case-Control Study

Oral candidiasis is a prevalent opportunistic infection of the oral cavity, primarily caused by the overgrowth of Candida species, with Candida albicans being the most common. This case-control study aimed to compare oral clonization by different Candida species and their colony-forming units (CFU/ml) in the oral cavity of diabetic versus non-diabetic individuals. Oral rinse samples were collected from 50 individuals (25 diabetic and 25 non-diabetic) attending Layla Qasim Health Center, Erbil city, from February to March 2024. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar and HiCromeTM Candida differential agar for species identification. Of the 50 samples, 44 (88%) yielded positive culture for Candida sp. The total Candida carriage rate was similar in both the diabetic and control groups (88%). Multiple Candida species were identified, with Candida albicans and Candida krusei being the most prevalent. Diabetic patients had significantly higher colony-forming unit (CFU/ml) compared to the control group, indicating a greater fungal load despite similar carriage rates between groups (p value<0.01).