Oral Candidiasis in Immunosuppressed Children and Young Adults After Liver or Kidney Transplantation

Purpose: Candidiasis is on infectious complication in organ transplant recipients resulting from the patients' immunodeficiency and virulence of fungi pathogens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of Candida spp. and identify their presence in the oral lesions of graft recipients. Methods: This study included 185 patients, 1.5 to 25.2 years of age (mean = 13.1 +/- 4.2 years) who were receiving combined immunosuppression treatment after kidney or liver transplantation and 70 control subjects. Evaluation included clinical orol examination, mycology, and statistical analysis. Results: Candida spp. colonies were found in the oral mucosa of 63 (34%) graft recipients and in 19 (27%) control subjects. Candida albicons was the most prevalent species. This study showed that, regardless of the type of the organ transplant and immunosuppression, frequent, regular oral follow-up and mycologic tests ore recommended. Diagnosing increased density of Candida spp. colonies in the oral cavity will help initiate early antifungal treatment. Conclusions: Candid spp. prevalence in the oral cavity in transplant recipients was higher than in immunocompetent control subjects. Kidney or liver transplantation predisposes one to the development of an increased density of Candida spp. colonies. (Pediatr Dent 2010;32:189-94) Received September 18, 2008 vertical bar Lost Revision March 9, 2009 vertical bar Revision Accepted March 12, 2009