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Candida species Colonization in Type II Diabetic Patients and Evaluation of their Possible Role in the Severity of Pericoronitis.

Project Summary: 

Diabetes has been shown to be associated with several oral complications including candidiasis, dental caries and periodontitis (1). Impairment of host defense mechanisms, delayed wound healing and defect in the normal salivary flow are some factors that contribute in the development of oral diseases in diabetic patients (1,2).

 Pericoronitis is one of the common oral diseases due to the inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding an impacted or semi impacted mandibular third molar. The inflammation is most common seen in early adulthood life or late adolescent. The subgingival pocket of patients with this disease is known to be predominantly colonized with anaerobic microbial flora that may become pathogenic and assist to the development of signs and symptoms (3,4).

Fungus and bacteria are able to interact physically, chemically and metabolically the fact that may influence their colonization and biofilm formation. While the role of oral bacteria in human health and disease is increasingly well defined, rare studies are conducted to evaluate the pathogenesis of oral fungi including Candida species mainly in pericoronitis disease.

 The oral cavity serves as the route of entry of microorganisms to the general circulation the fact that may contribute to adverse effects to the general health. It has long been known that the presence of chronic oral infections such as periodontitis may be a risk of diabetes mellitus, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it has been known that periodontitis may have adverse effect on the serum glucose level (9). No study has covered the complications of pericoronitis is diabetic patients, neither the role of Candida isolated from diabetic patients with to the severity of this oral disease. Consequently, studies are needed to examine whether Candida species have a role in the progression and the severity of pericoronitis mainly among diabetic patients. These studies may uncover novel therapeutic approaches for the management of pericoronitis in such patient group.