The Detection of Candida Species in Patients with Halitosis

• Main Authors: Chihiro Koga, Masahiro Yoneda, Keisuke Nakayama, Satoru Yokoue, Mariko Haraga, Tomoko Oie, Arisa Suga, Fumiko Okada, Hiroshi Matsuura, Fumitake Tsue, Nao Suzuki, Takao Hirofuji
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2014-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Dentistry
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/857647

To examine the effects of Candida on halitosis, the carrier state of Candida was examined in patients who made a visit with a chief complaint of halitosis. Methods. Subjects were 123 patients (42 males and 81 females) who visited our clinic, with a chief complaint of halitosis. Their average age was 45.8 years. To examine halitosis, an organoleptic test was conducted, and volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) were measured by gas chromatography. Tongue-coating samples collected at the initial visit were cultured in CHROMagar Candida medium. The results of a Candida culture test, an organoleptic test, and VSC measurements were examined. Results. The male-to-female ratio of the patients was about 1 : 2. Patients with severe halitosis accounted for less than 20%. In the Candida culture test, the positive rate was about 25.2%, and C. albicans was the most frequently detected. Two kinds of Candida species were detected in 75% (6/8) of the strongly Candida-positive group. The VSC measurements were correlated with the Candida culture test results. Methyl mercaptan concentration was higher in the strongly C. albicans-positive group or the subjects having two kinds of Candida species. Conclusion. We suggest that imbalance of oral microbial community exists in the strongly Candida-positive group.