Scanning Electron Microscopy of Candida albicans Cell Wall on Tooth Surface after Fluconazole-Treated and Incubated with Guava (Psidium guajava L.)

Abstract

The cell wall of Candida albicans is a target of fluconazole. The content of guava (Psidium guajava L) is known to contribute factors to resistance of fluconazole.
Objective: To characterize the surface alterations and the general shape changes of Candida cells after in vitro exposure to fluconazole and guava.
Material and Methods: Six tooth specimen groups—Cells exposed without fungicidal doses (negative control), Positive cells exposed to maximal fungicidal doses of Fluconazole (100 μg/ml) (control), Guava (G), Guava+Fluconazole susceptibility (GFS), Guava+Fluconazole Susceptible-Dose Dependent (GFSDD), Guava+Fluconazole dose Resistance (GFR). Each group was mixed with 10 ml artificial saliva, 2 ml glucose 2%, and 2 ml C. albicans. Fluconazole doses were based on NCCLS approved M27-A. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was conducted after 15 days incubation at the Faculty of Veterinary, University of Syiah Kuala and Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia.
Results: SEM of negative control presented smooth blastospores; small clusters of interconnected cells, spherical-to-elongate in shape, lying down, polar buds, and hyphae on dental surface. SEM of positive control and guava generally presented wrinkled blastospores, rough surfaces, cells fewer than negative control, and lying apart. Positive control showed spherical-to-elongate in shape and guava with spherical in shape presented more wrinkled than positive control. SEM of GGF and GFSDD presented wrinkled blastospores, rough surfaces, decreased in number, spherical-to-elongate in shape, lying apart, and hyphae on surface. SEM of GFR presented wrinkled blastospores but more smooth than others, elongate in shape; bud’s orientations penetrate to dental tissue.
Conclusion: Guava improved the integrity of cell wall of C. albicans and contributed to resistance of C. albicans to fluconazole.

Keywords: Candida albicans, guava, fluconazole, scanning electron microscopy

Cite this Article
Nasution AI, Basri, Restiana N. Scanning Electron Microscopy of Candida albicans Cell Wall on Tooth Surface after Fluconazole-Treated and Incubated with Guava (Psidium guajava L.). Research & Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry. 2017; 8(3): 10–17p.