In Vitro Evaluation Of Antifungal Activity Of Calcium Hydroxide Paste Mixed To Different Drugs, Against Candida Albicans

Abstract

Introduction: the frequency of invasive mycoses caused by opportunistic fungal pathogens has increased significantly in the last decades. Among the main etiological agents of opportunistic mycoses is Candida albicans. This yeast has several important virulence factors for producing disease. Some studies have demonstrated that C. albicans colonized root canals and dentinal tubules. The spectrum of antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide dressing should include this yeast. Objectives: the aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro susceptibility of four C. albicans strains collected from the oral cavity and a standard strain ATCC 10231 to calcium hydroxide paste associated with antifungal, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs. The efficiency of the Ca(OH)2 paste associated with the drugs on the yeasts was analyzed by the radial diffusion method and also by the direct contact method. Data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis test and the Dunn post-test were used to indicate the differences between the groups with a significance level of 5%. Results: all antifungal drugs increased the action of the calcium hydroxide pastes against Candida albicans. Conclusions: the association of antifungals with Ca(OH)2 may be considered for use as intracanal medicaments