The effect of calcium chelating or binding agents on Candida albicans

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate antifungal effects of calcium-chelating or -binding agents on Candida albicans comparing with conventional antifungal agents.

Study design: Two clinical oral isolates and 1 standard strain of C albicans were included in the study. Test solutions were ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethyleneglycol-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), sodium fluoride (NaF), titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4), nystatin, and ketoconazole. Minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations of the solutions were determined. The results were analyzed statistically using Friedman's nonparametric 2-way ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: All isolates demonstrated similar susceptibility patterns (P>.05). Except ketoconazole, EDTA had the highest antifungal and fungicidal activity, followed by TiF4. EGTA and NaF were the weakest agents against C albicans among all test solutions.

Conclusion: EDTA and TiF4 may be recommended as an alternative irrigating solution particularly in persistent root canal infections and in root canals of patients having a high incidence of oral candidosis.