The impact of chlorhexidine gluconate on the relative cell surface hydrophobicity of oval Candida albicans

Adherence of Candida albicans has been implicated as the first step in the pathogenesis of oral candidosis, and its relative cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) a contributory physical force. Chlorhexidine gluconate is by far the commonest antiseptic mouthwash prescribed in dentistry. The intra-oral concentrations of the retained chlorhexldine mouthwash fluctuate considerably due to the dilution effect of saliva and the cleansing action of the oral musculature. Hence the objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of brief exposure to sub-therapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate on the relative CSH of C. albicans. DESIGN: The CSH of the isolates was assessed by a biphasic aqueous-hydrocarbon assay. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in CSH was observed following the exposure of Candida isolates to 0.005 and 0.0025% chlorhexidine gluconate. CONCLUSIONS: These results elucidate additional mechanisms by which chlorhexidine gluconate suppress candidal pathogenicity despite a brief period of transient exposure within the oral environment.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Adjunctive use of chlorhexidine in oral candidoses: A review

Oral candidosis is by far the commonest human fungal infection and manifests in a variety of clinical guises. The main reason for its high incidence appears to be the multiplicity of predisposing factors, which facilitate the conversion of oral commensal Candida to a parasitic existence. Despite the availability of a number of effective antimycotics for the treatment of oral candidoses, failure of therapy is not uncommon owing to the unique environment of the oral cavity where the flushing effect of saliva and the cleansing action of the oral musculature tend to reduce the drug concentration to sub-therapeutic levels. For these and other reasons chlorhexidine is widely prescribed in dentistry both as an antiseptic mouthwash and a denture disinfectant in order to supplement other antifungals. Chlorhexidine has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity including Candida albicans and other common non-albicans yeast species. In this review we outline the utility of chlorhexidine as an adjunct to conventional antimycotic therapy in the management of oral Candida infections.link_to_subscribed_fulltex