A study on isolation, identification, and antifungal susceptibility of various oral candidal species in renal transplant patients

Background: The rationale of this study was to know the prevalence of candidal colonization in renal transplant individuals and to isolate and identify the various species and determine their antifungal susceptibility. Materials and Methods: The study population was divided into Group I (renal transplant individuals, n =30) and Group II (healthy individuals, n =50) from whom oral rinse samples were collected in a container with sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). All the collected samples were transported immediately and subjected to various mycological investigations. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U and Chi-square test. Results: In Group I, 11 (36.67%) and in Group II, 9 (18%) showed positivity for Candida. Candida albicans formed the major species and it showed sensitivity to Fluconazole and Ketoconazole. Conclusion: Prevalence of Candida species in the oral cavity of renal transplant recipients was higher than in immunocompetent control subjects. Administration of immunosuppressive drugs predisposes the development of an increased density of candidal colonies

Quantitative analysis of C-reactive protein in potentially malignant disorders: A pilot study

Background: Recent advances in understanding complex tumor interactions have led to the discovery of an association between inflammation and cancer. An abundance of pro - inflammatory cytokines in a tumor micro-environment can lead to angiogenesis, thus favoring neoplastic growth. Serum C reactive protein is a sensitive marker of inflammation and may have significant prognostic value as early biomarker for cancer diagnostics. Aims and Objectives: This was a pilot study done to assess the serum C reactive protein levels in potentially malignant disorders (PMDS) and to evaluate their role as prognostic marker. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 20 cases of oral potentially malignant disorders (10 each of Leukoplakia, Oral Sub mucous fibrosis) confirmed by histopathological examination and 10 controls. All the samples were subjected to C - reactive protein analysis by immunoturbidometery. Results were subjected to Statistical analysis. Statistical analysis: Data was entered in data base management of the software SPSS version 20.0. Comparison of three groups with respect to C reactive protein levels was done by one way ANOVA. Pair wise comparison of three groups was done by Turkeys multiple post hoc procedure. Results: Mean C reactive protein levels in leukoplakia was 0.33±0.17, in oral submucous fibrosis was 0.58±0.83 where as in controls it was 0.26±0.05. In potentially malignant disorders, C reactive protein was slightly elevated when compared with the controls. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that serum C reactive protein concentration is associated with subsequent development of oral cancer and could serve as a potential prognostic biomarker