Evaluation of Candidal Species in Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Oral Lichen Planus: A Microbiological Study

Background: Candida is opportunistic microorganisms in oral cavity, causes oral candidiasis. The presence of candida and subspecies in oral premalignant lesions may intensify the infection and transform pre malignant lesions into cancer. Objective: To isolate various types of candida species, among Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and Oral lichen Planus (OLP) patients. Methodology: Total 60 individuals included and grouped as; OSMF (n=20) group A, Lichen Planus (n=10); group B and Controls (n=30) group C. Results: The higher candida carriage revealed in OSMF+ OLP groups (23.3%) as compared to controls (10%). The species level findings showed 13.3% of candida albicans in  OSMF+ OLP and  6.7% in controls, candida krusei 6.7% in OSMF+ OLP and 3.3% in controls and  non candida albicans were 10% in OSMF+ OLP and 6.7% in control group respectively. Conclusion: This basic understanding of candida species and their association with potentially malignant disorders will help in better interventions, so as to restrict the lesion before it transform in to malignancy.