Comparison of techniques to evaluate the quantification of Candida spp. in HIV-infected children

Gen Dent. 2009 Jul-Aug;57(4):438-41.

Abstract

This study sought to compare techniques used to make a quantified evaluation of Candida spp. in children infected with HIV. Twenty-four HIV-infected children (age 3 to 13) were selected. Three sterilized swabs were used for each child: one for the dorsum of the tongue, one for the hard palate mucosa, and one for the right jugal mucosa; each swab was rubbed for 10 seconds and transferred to sterilized test tubes containing 1 mL of 0.9% saline solution. Candida spp. growth was observed in 95.8% of all samples, including 95.7% of tongue samples (Group T), 87.0% of saliva samples, 56.6% of hard palate mucosa samples (Group P), and 47.8% of right jugal mucosa samples (Group J). There was no statistical difference in Candida spp. growth between saliva samples and Group T samples, although both had higher growth compared to Groups P and J (p < 0.05; chi(2)). Regarding the sensitivity of each site for positive Candida spp. growth, Group T samples showed 69.5%, while saliva samples showed 52.2%, Group P samples showed 21.7%, and Group J samples showed 13.04%, with no significant statistical difference between Group T and saliva; however, both were more sensitive than Groups J and P (p < 0.05, chi(2)). It was concluded that whole stimulated saliva and swabbing the tongue were considered satisfactory for measuring Candida spp. in HIV-infected children.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Candida / isolation & purification*
  • Candidiasis, Oral / complications
  • Candidiasis, Oral / microbiology*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Colony Count, Microbial / methods*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mouth Mucosa / microbiology*
  • Saliva / microbiology*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tongue / microbiology