Identification of Candida Species in the Saliva of Elderly Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus in the Working Area of Telaga Dewa Public Health Center, Bengkulu City

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels resulting from insulin deficiency or resistance. This metabolic disorder may result in multiple complications, including fungal infections such as oral candidiasis. Elevated glucose concentrations in the saliva of individuals with diabetes mellitus create conditions favorable for the proliferation of Candida species, particularly among elderly patients with compromised immune function. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of Candida species in the saliva of 32 elderly patients with diabetes mellitus in the Telaga Dewa Public Health Center area of Bengkulu City. Descriptive research was employed to determine the prevalence of Candida species in the saliva of elderly patients with diabetes mellitus. Samples were collected using the absorption method with swabs, then examined macroscopically on Saboraud Dextrose Agar and microscopically with Lactophenol Cotton Blue staining. The results found positive results for Candida sp. in saliva in 25 individuals (78%), while 7 Individuals (22%) tested negative.