Prevalence of Candida species in women taking Tamoxifen

Method:

observational, transversal, retrospective study. We included 30 postmenopausal women who attended the Southern Medical Center IMO. The following groups were formed: Group 1 with an N = 9: patients diagnosed with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen for less than 1 year. Group 2, N = 7: patients diagnosed with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen for 1 to 2 years. Group 3, N = 7: patients diagnosed with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen for 2 to 5 years. Group 4, N = 7, patients with diagnosed breast cancer who have completed treatment with tamoxifen. Were asked to sign informed consent. They conducted a survey of patients and periodontal indices were taken and a swab of oral mucosa.

Conventional microbiological studies were conducted for Candida species, as well as by molecular biology study of the same.

Result: The time of intake of Tamoxifen and influenced the growth of Candida species. The microbiological findings showed that a greater variety of species of Candida were isolated from patients taking the drug during the first two years (Group 1 and 2). Among the isolated species C.albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C.dubliniensis, C.glabrata. In patients taking the drug over two years (Group 3) and those who have completed treatment (Group 4), only 2 species were isolated from Candida albicans C.dubliniensis greater extent and to a lesser extent.

Conclusion:

The time of ingestion of tamoxifen influenced the growth and prevalence of different Candida species.