Oral Mycobiome Alterations In Periodontitis Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: Identification Of Geotrichum Candidum As A Potential Opportunistic Pathogen

Periodontitis; Coronary artery disease; Oral mycobiome; Geotrichum Candidum; Fungal dysbiosis; Subgingival plaque.

Dr. Saranya Aathilingaperumal1*
IIIrd Year Post Graduate, Department of
Periodontology & Oral Implantology, Sree Balaji
Dental College, Pallikaranai, Chennai, Tamil
Nadu, India. Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
E-Mail: saranyatheoder@gmail.com
Orchid ID:0009-0000-2852-9780

Dr. Anitha Balaji2
IIIrd Year Post Graduate, Department of
Periodontology & Oral Implantology, Sree Balaji
Dental College, Pallikaranai, Chennai, Tamil
Nadu, India. Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

*Corresponding Author:
Dr.Saranya Aathilingaperumal

Received:20-06-2026
Revised:25-07-2026
Accepted: 29-07-2026

European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34(7S), 01–07

Oral Mycobiome Alterations In Periodontitis Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: Identification Of Geotrichum Candidum As A Potential Opportunistic Pathogen

Background: Periodontitis is closely associated with systemic inflammatory conditions, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). While bacterial pathogens have been extensively studied in this context, the role of the oral mycobiome—particularly uncommon fungi—remains poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that systemic disease may influence fungal colonization patterns within periodontal niches. Aim:To compare the subgingival fungal profiles of patients with chronic periodontitis and those with chronic periodontitis associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), and to investigate the presence of Geotrichum candidum as a potential opportunistic pathogen in the oral–cardiovascular interface. Materials and Methods: This pilot comparative cross-sectional study included 20 participants divided into two groups: periodontitis alone (n = 10) and periodontitis with medically confirmed CAD (n = 10). Subgingival plaque samples were collected from the deepest periodontal sites and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Fungal identification was performed based on colony morphology and microscopic examination. Periodontal parameters, including probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test. Results:All participants demonstrated fungal growth. Candida species were isolated from all patients in both groups. Geotrichum candidum was detected exclusively in the CAD-associated periodontitis group (3/10; 30%), with no detection in the periodontitis-only group. Patients with CAD exhibited significantly higher mean PPD and CAL values compared to those with periodontitis alone. The presence of G. candidum was associated with greater periodontal severity. Conclusion:Geotrichum candidum appears to be an opportunistic fungal colonizer in patients with both periodontitis and CAD, suggesting that systemic cardiovascular status may influence oral fungal ecology. These findings support the need for expanded mycological assessment in high-risk periodontal patients. Larger studies incorporating molecular identification techniques are warranted to clarify the pathogenic and clinical significance of G. candidum in the periodontal–cardiovascular continuum.

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