Systemic fluconazole therapy and in vitro adhesion of <i>Candida albicans</i> to human buccal epithelial cells

Abstract

The adhesion of Candida albicans to buccal epithelial cells (BEC) from four healthy dentate men was studied in vitro 1 wk before, during and after a course of systemic fluconazole (50 mg once daily for 1 wk). After 1 wk of fluconazole intake candidal adhesion to BEC was significantly reduced and this reduction persisted for a week following completion of therapy. Fluconazole, therefore, in addition to being an effective antifungal agent may also have a sustained action on reducing adherence of candidal species to the oral mucosa.