Effectivity if antifungal properties of several antiseptics against Candida albicans in vitro

Objectives: Chlorhexidine (CHX) and povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is a broad spectrum antiseptic that is commonly used as a mouthwash. Previous studies showed that both regimens have excellent antifungal properties, especially against Candida albicans. In Indonesia, there are only 2 types of market product of CHX, which are chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX-G) and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX-DG) and 2 types of different concentration of PVP-I which are 1% and 10%. However, there were no reports which one of the mouthwash is the most effective option against Candida albicans growth. Objective: To determine the efficacy between CHX-G, CHX-DG, PVP-I against Candida albicans growth.
Methods: A laboratory experiment with post-test control group design, in which the test divided into 7 groups such as CHX-DG 0.12%, CHX-DG 0.2%, CHX-G 0.1%, CHX-G 0.2%, PVP-I 1%, PVP-I 10%, and nystatin 100.000 IU as a positive control. To evaluate the efficacy of regimens, inhibition zone diameter of Candida albicans growth on Saboraud Dextrose Agar media was measured.
Results: The mean diameters of CHX-DG 0.12%, CHX-DG 0.2%, CHX-G 0.1%, CHX-G 0.2%, PVP-I 1%, PVP-I 10%, and NS are 1.42 ± 0.06 cm, 1.46 ± 0.05 cm, 1.85 ± 0.43 cm, 1.60 ± 0.23 cm, 1.26 ± 0.10 cm, 3.60 ± 0.17 cm, and 1.79 ± 0.07 cm cm, respectively. The ANOVA test showed significant differences (P=.00) between each group.
Conclusions: Ten percent of povidone-iodine is the most effective antiseptic against Candida albicans. As these regimen is in solution, it should be mind to use routinely for oral cavity and consider the toxicity against human cells.