Prevalence and Species Distribution of Oral Candida among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Abstract: Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with impaired immune function, altered salivary composition, and changes in the oral environment that favor the colonization of Candida species. Although Candida albicans remains the predominant oral fungal pathogen, the emergence of non-albicans Candida species has raised concerns because of their potential resistance to commonly used antifungal agents. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and species distribution of oral Candida among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy controls. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 participants, comprising 15 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 15 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected under aseptic conditions and cultured on SDA. Yeast isolates were identified by Gram staining and speciated using CHROMagar? Candida based on colony colour characteristics. Results: Oral Candida was isolated from 11 of 15 diabetic participants (73.3%) compared with 6 of 15 non-diabetic controls (40.0%). Candida albicans/Candida dubliniensis was the predominant isolate in both groups. However, diabetic participants demonstrated a higher proportion of non-albicans Candida species, particularly Candida glabrata. Overall, individuals with diabetes exhibited greater oral Candida carriage and increased species diversity than healthy controls. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with increased oral Candida colonization and a higher prevalence of non-albicans Candida species. Routine species-level identification may facilitate early diagnosis,and support preventive strategies for oral candidal infections in diabetic patients. Further studies with antifungal susceptibility testing are recommended to validate these findings.
Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Oral Candida colonization, Candida albicans
How to Cite?: Suja C, "Prevalence and Species Distribution of Oral Candida among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 630-633, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261009100331, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261009100331