Background:The micronuclei are round to oval extranuclear cytoplasmic bodies associated with chromosomal aberrations. Micronuclei are reported to be prognostic biomarkers in the screening of potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) and oral cancer. The present study was done to determine, compare, and correlate micronuclei count in normal participants, betel quid chewers, PMDs, and oral squamous cell carcinoma patients (OSCC). Materials and Methods:The buccal smears in each group were stained by Papanicolaou technique using commercially available staining kit RAPIDPAP®. Micronuclei were identified and counted in all the cases using standardized techniques. Comparative statistical evaluation was done within and among the groups. Results: The median value of micronuclei in each group was assessed using KruskalWallis test. Intergroup comparison was done using Dunn's Multiple Comparison Test. A significant increase in the median values of micronuclei in betel quid chewers was found compared to normal participants. The median values of micronuclei were significantly higher in OSCC patients followed by oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, and betel quid chewers as compared to normal participants. Conclusion:The median values of micronuclei are indicative of cytogenetic damage induced by potential carcinogens. Micronuclei counts are reliable cytogenetic tools in the progression of carcinogenesis.

Background:The Candida species are saprophytic component of the normal oral microbiota. The disequilibrium in the homeostasis between Candida, host immune system and normal oral bacterial flora promotes a Candida carriage. Aim of the Study: The present study was done to assess oral candidal carriage and species identification among healthy subjects, betel quid chewing (BQC), and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) patients using CHROMagar® media. Materials and Methods: Oral swabs collected from the reservoirs of Candida species (buccal mucosa and tongue) in study groups using sterile cotton swabs were inoculated on Sabouraud's dextrose agar candidal medium and CHROMagar® Candida agar medium consecutively. Determination of Candida species was done based on morphology characteristics and pigment produced. The results were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test. Results: Candida carriage was more in samples of buccal mucosa followed by the tongue. Candida albicans was the major isolate in both healthy subjects and BQC but with greater frequency in BQC. Candida tropicalis was the major isolate in OSF patients predominantly in buccal mucosa followed by the tongue. Conclusion: C. tropicalis, a non-C. albicans species, was the major isolate in OSF. This unique finding implicates an immunological change of oral environment brought about by BQC and OSF.