The effect of exposure to chlorhexidine gluconate in vitro and in vivo on in vitro adhesion of Candida albicans to buccal epithelial cells from diabetic and non‐diabetic subjects

Abstract

The effect of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate on in vitro adhesion of Candida albicans to buccal epithelial cells (BHC) was studied in 12 healthy subjects and 12 patients with diabetes mellitus. Exposure of BFC for one minute with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate in vitro, or by rinsing the mouth in vivo, resulted in a significant reduction in candidal adhesion to BHC in both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects and between both groups. In addition to the known fungicidal effect of chlorhexidine, it also reduces Candida albicans adhesion to oral mucosal cells, a factor of importance in the establishment of candidal infection.