Speciation of Candida using CHROMagar in cases with oral epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma

is most frequently isolated from oral cavity but identification of other species such as & is increasing proportionately. A constant rise in immuno-suppressed patients, widening range of recognized pathogens, and resistance to antifungal drugs are contributing factors which stress the need for species identification of , an opportunistic pathogen. Objectives: 1. To detect the prevalence of and Non albicans (NAC) species in the oral cavity of patients with epithelial dysplasia, Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and healthy controls. 2. To identify and differentiate Candidal species using CHROMagar, a differential media. The study included smears from 50 patients with histopathological confirmation of epithelial dysplasia & OSCC and 50 normal controls. was identified using Sabouraud dextrose agar media (SDA) as primary culture followed by species identification using CHROMagar on the basis of colony color and morphology. predominated (66%) over (34%) in speciation on CHROMagar media in the study group. Non albicans Candida species isolated were (38%), (24%) and 2 cases showing polyfungal population of & . Species level isolation of helps in early identification of resistant non strains and prompt treatment of the cases there by preventing the dissemination of infection in case of immuno-compromised individuals. The data presented also supports the use of CHROMagar as a pertinent media for the rapid identification of species directly from clinical specimens in resource challenged settings, which could be helpful in developing appropriate therapeutic strategy and management of patients. Candida, CHROMagar, epithelial dysplasia, oral cancer.