Microbiological Profile of Oral Infections in Diabetic Patients and Non-Diabetic Controls in SouthWest, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Oral microbial flora is increasingly being incriminated in oral infections. There is paucity of information on the importance of aerobic oral flora in diabetes. The purpose of this study was to compare aerobic oral microbial flora in diabetics and non-diabetics and to relate these microbes with oral infections. Materials and Methods: This study involved 154 diabetics and 111 non-diabetics aged 18 years and above. Oral washes were inoculated unto blood agar, chocolate agar, Mac Conkey agar and Sabouraud's agar and isolates were identified by standard biochemical tests. Oral exam was conducted by a Dentist to assess oral infections and oral health status of participants. Results: Thirteen different genera of aerobic microbes were identified. The most prevalent microbes were Streptococcus sp (99.6 %), Candida albicans (17.0 %), Serratia Spp (7.2 %), other Candida Spp (6.8 %), Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS) (6.4 %) and Klebsiella Spp (5.7 %). Candida sp was more prevalent in diabetic patients than non-diabetics. Gram negative aerobic bacteria were significantly isolated from cases of dental caries. Conclusion: The oral microbiological profile of diabetic patients was different from those of non-diabetics and aerobic Gram negative bacteria may play an important role in dental diseases in diabetic patients. Keywords: Oral microbiological profile; oral infections; diabetes; Cameroon PROFIL MICROBIOLOGIQUE DES INFECTIONS BUCCALES CHEZ LES PATIENTS DIABETIQUES ET TEMOINS NON DIABETIQUES DU SUD-OUEST, CAMEROUN