Prevalence and Risk Factors of Oral Candidiasis in Gharyan, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

انتشار وعوامل الخطر لمرض القالع الفموي في غريان، ليبيا: دراسة مقطعية

Abstract

Background: Oral candidiasis is a common opportunistic infection, but its epidemiology varies significantly by
region. Recent data on the prevalence, causative species, and risk factors for oral fungal infections in Libya,
particularly in the Gharyan area, is scarce. Objective: This study aimed to determine the incidence, distribution
of Candida species, and associated demographic and health-related risk factors for oral candidiasis in Gharyan,
Libya. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2025 with 140 participants. Oral
swabs were collected following a clinical examination and structured interview. Samples were cultured on
Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, and Candida species were identified using chromogenic agar. Statistical analysis was
performed using SPSS version 27, employing Chi-square tests and ANOVA. Results: The incidence of oral
candidiasis was 47.9% (67/140). Candida albicans was the predominant species (85.1%), followed by C.
glabrata (6.0%), C. krusei (3.0%), C. parapsilosis (3.0%), and C. tropicalis (3.0%). Among the analyzed risk
factors (age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, dental prostheses, oral hygiene, and pregnancy), only
pregnancy showed a statistically significant association with infection (χ² = 4.486, *p* = 0.034). All pregnant
women in the sample were in the infected group. Conclusion: The study reveals a high incidence of oral
candidiasis in Gharyan, predominantly caused by C. albicans. Pregnancy was identified as a significant risk factor,
underscoring the need for targeted oral healthcare and screening for pregnant women. The lack of association with
other classic risk factors warrants further investigation with larger samples.