Suppression of Candida albicans Growth by Oral Staphylococcus aureus

Background: A majority of the population has been shown to carry Candida albicans within their normal oral flora; however, very few people suffer from oral Candida infections. Past studies reveal that long-term antibiotic therapy markedly increases the host’s susceptibility to oral thrush, suggesting that bacteria play a vital role in maintaining a healthy oral environment. Objective: The aim of this study was to isolate and identify specific bacteria obtained from healthy individuals that may be involved in suppressing C. albicans growth under normal oral conditions. Method: Various bacterial strains, isolated and purified from the saliva of healthy individuals, were co-cultured with C. albicans wild type strain 5314. The bacterial strains that most effectively suppressed yeast growth were identified using polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. Results: Our results indicate that all of the bacterial strains isolated were able to suppress yeast growth to some extent; however, Staphylococcus aureus was determined to be the most effective inhibitor. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanism by which S. aureus suppresses C. albicans growth. Support: J. Dean Robertson Society, University of Oklahoma.