A STUDY ON ORAL MANIFESTATIONS AND ORAL CANDIDAL CARRIAGE IN FEMALE SEX WORKERS - A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY
Dr. Taranpreet Kaur*, Dr. Mubeen Khan and Dr. Kondajji Ramchandra Vijayalakshmi
ABSTRACT
Background & Objectives: Female sex workers (FSWs) represent a marginalized population that is frequently involved in activities like unprotected sex and sharing of needles which makes them vulnerable to STDs, especially HIV. These STDs may lead to immunosuppression which further promotes growth of opportunistic organisms (Candida albicans) in the oral cavity. Aims & Objectives: The aims and objectives of this study are to study the prevalence of oral lesions among FSWs and to assess the oral Candidal carriage in this group of population. Materials and methods: This study will comprise of 30 FSWs attached to a recognized NGO as study group and 30 outpatient healthy females as control group. A detailed oral examination will be carried out and findings will be recorded on a specially prepared proforma. The samples will be collected using oral rinse technique and inoculated on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar medium for isolation of candida. Candidal colony count/ml will be determined and data will be statistically analyzed. Results: An increase in mean DMFT index was found in study group as compared to controls. Majority of FSWs had habit of alcohol abuse followed by combined habit of smoking and tobacco and the difference in distribution was found to be statistically significant. A statistically significant increase in CFU / ml of saliva of Candida albicans was found in study group as compared to controls. Conclusion: The significant oral candidal count in female sex workers without active oral manifestations alerts the oral physician for occurrence of other opportunistic infections and their management in dental settings.
Keywords: Candida albicans; Oral Health; Sex Workers.
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