The Effect of Psychoactive Substances (Drugs) on the Presence and Frequency of Oral Candida Species and Candida Dubliniensis

The Goal: The goal of this study was to determine the effect of psychoactive substances (drugs) on the presence and frequency of oral Candida species and Candida dubliniensis. Materials and methods: For the purpose of achieving the set goals, we chose a sample. Sixty bed-ridden patients from the Institute for Alcoholism and Other Addictions in Sarajevo Canton, both males and females between 18 and 60 years of age, were included in the research and assigned to two different groups (alcohol addicts and opiate addicts). After extensive anamnesis and a clinical examination, samples of oral epithelia were taken for microbiological identification. Two confirmatory methods were used for the identification of Candida species: the blastesis test and cultivation in a chromatophilic medium (Chrom agar). A yeast assimilation test (API test) was used for the identification of non-albicans Candida. A separate test was used to identify Candida dubliniensis (PAL agar). Results: The results of the microbiological analysis confirmed the frequency of Candida albicans (43%) in psychoactive substance addicts, as well as an increase in non-albicans Candida regardless of the type of addiction (34%). The presence of Candida dubliniensis was proven in psychoactive substance addicts (23%) and it was confirmed that the frequency of bacterial adherence of Candida dubliniensis is directly proportional to the duration of the drug-addiction. Conclusion: The abuse of psychoactive substances has an effect on the frequency of albicans and non-albicans species of oral Candida. Based on the findings, we have concluded that psychoactive substances (opiates and alcohol) lead to an increase in oral Candida dubliniensis regardless of the type of addictions.