Genotypes and virulence factors of Candida species isolated from oral cavities of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background/aim: This study compared the genotypes and virulence factors of Candida species isolated from oral cavities of healthy individuals and patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and methods: A total of 142 healthy individuals and 73 diabetic patients participated in this study. Study populations were classified into 4 groups as follows: Group I - Healthy, without caries; Group II - Healthy, with caries; Group III - DM, with caries; Group IV - DM, without caries. Diabetic patients' blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c concentrations were determined. Identification of Candida species was performed with conventional methods. Biofilm production, proteinase, phospholipase, and esterase were analyzed. The genetic diversity of Candida species was established using rep-PCR. Results: The most isolated species was Candida albicans. There were statistical differences in terms of isolated Candida frequency between healthy subjects and diabetic patients. There was no statistical difference between the virulence factors of groups. Twelve genotypes were determined. While there were statistical differences in aerobe biofilm production, proteinase, and phospholipase activity between genotypes, there were no statistical differences in anaerobe biofilm production and esterase activity between genotypes. Conclusion: Diabetes has no effect on the activities of virulence factors of Candida species. Different genotypes of Candida albicans exhibited different virulence activities.