ABSTRACT
Background: Oral candidiasis is the most common oral opportunistic infection seen in immunocompromised patients. Apart from C. albicans the non albicans Candida species, which are less susceptible to the commonly used antifungal drugs are major etiological agent for candidiasis. Thus, in recent years there has been an increased interest in spectrum of infections caused by Candida species. However with the recognition, that Candida spp. differ in the production of virulence factor and sensitivity to antifungal agents, greater emphasis has been placed on identification of isolates up to species level. In the past identification of various species of Candida other than C. albicans has not been attempted in oral lesions. Methods: A total of 158 swabs were collected from oral cavity of patients having lesions suggestive of oral candidiasis. One swab was subjected for direct microscopy using Gram staining. The second swab was inoculated on two tubes of Sabouraud Dextrose agar (SDA) with antibiotics (Hi-Media). Results: Candida albicans though was the commonest species isolated. , NAC is also emerging as important opportunistic pathogens in oro-dental infections. Conclusion: In view of the changing pattern, it is strongly recommended that species identification and sensitivity test can help in much better treatment strategies, and thus, gain a good control over the disease.