Oral Candidiasis in Leukemia Patients

Oral candidiasis are mycoses resulting from the overgrowth of yeasts of the Candida genus, represents a serious problem for patients with leukemia. The mortality rate of this infection has increased due to fungal septicemia, associated with a primary buccal infection. Objective: The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence of oral candidiasis in leukemia patients, identify the Candida spp. in buccal lesions, differentiate the factors that influence their development. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective and descriptive study conducted over a four-months period from November 7, 2016 to March 2, 2017, including patients diagnosed with leukemia. Sociodemographic, clinical and biological data from patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were collected and analyzed. The lesion sample was taken and studied by direct exam and culture on Sabouraud Chloramphenicol and Sabouraud Chloramphenicol Actidionne. The identification of the isolated yeast was done by the filamentation test, carbohydrate fermentation and assimilation.  Results: 56 patients were included in this study. Most of the cases (48,21%) were positive to oral candidiasis Their average age was 33,86 years, they were mainly made up of men (64.28%).  Candida, albicans was the most frequent species found (55,55%), followed by Candida. glabrata (22.22%), Candida tropicalis (14.81%) and Candida krusei (7,40%). The main contributing factor found was parenteral nutrition (55,55%), corticosteroid therapy (55,55%), antibiotherapy (37,03%), neutropenia (25,92%) and diabetes (11,11%). Conclusion: The results suggest that oral candidiasis is a frequent complication in the leukemia patients. C. albicans was the main etiological agent, however, there is an important participation of other Candida species.