Determination of Factors Affecting the Isolation of Candida Species Among Diabetic Patients with Oral Candidiasis in Duhok Governorate, Iraq

Section: Article
Issue
Vol. 34 No. 4 (2025): Volume 34 Issue 4
Published
Oct 1, 2025
Pages
1-13

Abstract

Oral candidiasis, a fungal infection primarily caused by Candida albicans, poses a significant health risk for diabetics due to their weakened immune systems and altered oral environments. The prevalence and risk factors for oral candidiasis were evaluated in this cross-sectional study of 367 diabetic patients at Azadi Teaching Hospital in Duhok City from August 2024 to April 2025. Sterile swabs were used to collect clinical samples, which were then cultured on various selective media to identify the species of Candida. According to the results, 34.1% of patients tested positive for Candida species, with the most common species being Candida albicans (13.9%), followed by Candida tropicalis (9.8%) and Candida glabrata (3.0%). A noteworthy correlation was observed between comorbid conditions such as dental problems, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol with oral candidiasis. Additionally, type 2 diabetes and advanced age were prevalent among those affected. The study emphasises the importance of preventive measures and regular oral health examinations to reduce the risk of fungal infections in diabetic patients.

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Authors

Narmin H. B. Sultan

Medical Laboratory Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Duhok, Iraq

Asia A. M. Saadullah

Biology Department, College of Sciences, University of Duhok, Iraq

Identifiers

https://doi.org/10.33899/jes.v34i4.49244
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[1]
N. H. B. . Sultan and A. A. M. Saadullah, “Determination of Factors Affecting the Isolation of Candida Species Among Diabetic Patients with Oral Candidiasis in Duhok Governorate, Iraq”, JES, vol. 34, no. 4, pp. 1–13, Oct. 2025.
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