Layloo, Nazreen2024-11-012024-11-012023https://hdl.handle.net/10566/17004Candida albicans has been detected together with Streptococcus mutans in high numbers in children with early childhood caries (ECC). The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of Candida albicans in children with ECC in the Western Cape, and to explore the possibility of maternal relatedness. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 48 child-mother pairs within the Western Cape. DMFT/dmft scores for caries were assessed during a comprehensive oral examination. A structured questionnaire was administered to mothers of the participating children between the ages of 2 and 6 years. In addition to socio-demographic variables, dietary practices, antibiotic use, presence of an oral appliance, and frequency of dental visits were included. A single researcher conducted the clinical examination and sample collection. Saliva (2 mL) samples from all child-mother pairs were collected using sterile Eppendorf tubes. Saliva samples were cultured on both blood agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar plates. Cultures were isolated, counted, and identified. Positively identified cocci were then isolated and identified as specific Streptococcus species using the API strep 20E system (Biomerieux). Positive yeasts were sub-cultured and isolated on chromogenic agar plates and incubated at 37° C for 24 hours. Depending on the colour profile of the growth, the presence of Candida albicans was confirmed. Results were tabulated and statistical analyses conducted. Ethical approval was granted by the Biomedical Research and Ethics Committee of the University of the Western Cape (BM19/10/18).enEarly childhood cariesCandida albicansStreptococcus mutansOral microbiomeBlood agarThesis