Method: Consented participants aged between 20 to 70, who were on antipsychotic drugs were enrolled. Xerostomia symptoms were determined from the Xerostomia Inventory (XI) and from clinical examinations. Saliva rinses were collected and smears were taken from the buccal mucosae and tongue, and other suspicious mucosa. Smears were examined for candida hyphae and yeast identification. Saliva samples were plated onto Chromagar Candida agar plates, and incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. The colony-forming units (CFU) and species (from the colony colour) were recorded. The susceptibility of C. albicans isolates towards fluconazole was measured using the E-test according to the manufacturer's instructions
Result: Current findings showed that although 75% of participants had evidence of dry mouth clinically, they did not neccessarily have symptoms (only a third had high XI scores). More than 60% were positive for oral candida hyphae and candida colonies. Susceptibility testing is currently being undertaken.
Conclusion: Many antipsychotic drugs are known to cause xerostomia and lead to increased incidence of candida infections. Investigating the resistance of Candida isolates from patiensts taking antipsychotic medications to fluconazole may lead to more appropriate treatment.