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Background Candida parapsilosis is the second or third most frequently isolated Candida species related to nosocomial infections, even overtaking Candida albicans in some hospitals. C. parapsilosis constitutes a complex of closely related species: Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto, Candida orthopsilosis and Candida metapsilosis. Accurate detection of these species is of importance, as the incidence of C. orthopsilosis has been reported to surpass that of Candida krusei. Objective To evaluate the diagnostic utility of two PCR-RFLP methods targeting the SADH and FKS1 genes and to determine the prevalence of cryptic species in 96 bloodstream isolates of C. parapsilosis from 93 patients. Methods Restriction patterns of the SADH and FKS1 genes were analysed, and sequencing of the D1/D2 regions of the ribosomal RNA was used to evaluate the reliability of both PCR-RFLP methods. Results In our study, 77 C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, 13 C. orthopsilosis and five C. metapsilosis were identified by sequencing. Both PCR-RFLP methods demonstrated strong agreement with D1/D2 sequencing in the identification of C. parapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis, while both methods were unable to identify the C. metapsilosis isolates. Moreover, unexpected restriction patterns were observed for two isolates on SADH PCR-RFLP and for four isolates on FKS1 PCR-RFLP. Mixed bloodstream infections of C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and C. orthopsilosis were detected for three patients, for which differential growth characteristics were observed. Conclusion The molecular method chosen for identification could have an impact on determination of the real prevalence of C. metapsilosis in candidaemia, and mixed fungaemias can remain undetected.

There is an increasing need for novel drugs and new strategies for the therapy of invasive candidiasis. This study aimed to develop and characterize liposome-based nanoparticles of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, citral, and thymol with anti-Candida activities. Dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide- and monoolein-based liposomes in a 1:2 molar ratio were prepared using a lipid-film hydration method. Liposomes were assembled with equal volumes of liposomal stock dispersion and stock solutions of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, citral, or thymol in dimethyl sulfoxide. Cytotoxicity was tested on RAW 264.7 macrophages. In vitro antifungal activity of liposomes with phytocompounds was evaluated according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) methodology using clinical isolates of Candida albicans, Candida auris, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida tropicalis. Finally, the ability of macrophage cells to kill Candida isolates after addition of phytocompounds and their nanoparticles was determined. Nanoparticles with 64 mu g/ml of cinnamaldehyde, 256 mu g/ml of citral, and 128 mu g/ml of thymol had the best characteristics among the formulations tested. The highest encapsulation efficiencies were achieved with citral (78% to 83%) and carvacrol (66% to 71%) liposomes. Carvacrol and thymol in liposome-based nanoparticles were nontoxic regardless of the concentration. Moreover, carvacrol and thymol maintained their antifungal activity after encapsulation, and there was a significant reduction (similar to 41%) of yeast survival when macrophages were incubated with carvacrol or thymol liposomes. In conclusion, carvacrol and thymol liposomes possess high stability, low cytotoxicity, and antifungal activity that act synergistically with macrophages., This work was supported by the Consejeria de Educacion, Universidades e Investigacion (GIC15/78 IT-990-16) of Gobierno Vasco-Eusko Jaurlaritza, the Fundacion ONCE Oportunidad al Talento, and the Fondo Social Europeo (to C.M.-A.), and the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) by Research and Training grant FEMS-GO-2017-020 (to K.M.-C.).

[EN]Oral candidiasis is frequently associated with Candida biofilms. Biofilms are microbial communities related to persistent, recalcitrant and difficult to-treat infections. Conventional treatments are not sufficient to overcome biofilm-associated candidiasis; thus, the search of new antifungal compounds is necessary. In the current study, we have evaluated the effect of three phytocompounds, carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and thymol, against Candida planktonic and sessile cells. Reduction in biofilm biomass and metabolic activity was assessed during adhesion and mature biofilm phases. Candida albicans was the most biofilm-producing Candida species. All phytocompounds tested were fungicidal against Candida planktonic cells. Cinnamaldehyde was the most active in inhibiting biofilm adhesion, but carvacrol and thymol significantly reduced both mature biofilm biomass and metabolic activity. These results highlight the role of cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol and thymol as promising alternatives for the treatment of candidiasis due to their antibiofilm capacities, and stress the necessity to continue studies on their safety, toxicity and pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. This work was supported by Gobierno Vasco-Eusko Jaurlaritza, Spain [grant number GIC15/78 IT-990-16, 2016] and Fundacion ONCE "Oportunidad al Talento", Spain and Fondo Social Europeo, Spain [CMA, 2018].

Objective To evaluate the importance of Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and their close-related species, Candida bracarensis, Candida nivariensis, Candida metapsilosis and Candida orthopsilosis in patients with oral candidiasis and, to determine the in vitro activities of antifungal drugs currently used for the treatment. Methods One hundred fourteen isolates of C. glabrata and 97 of C. parapsilosis, previously identified by conventional mycological methods, were analysed by molecular techniques. In vitro antifungal susceptibility to fluconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, and nystatin was evaluated by CLSI M44-A2 disk diffusion test, and by CLSI M27-A3 microdilution for fluconazole. Results All C. glabrata isolates were identified as C. glabrata sensu stricto, 93 out of 97 C. parapsilosis isolates as C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, three as C. orthopsilosis and one as C. metapsilosis. Candida glabrata was mainly isolated in mixed cultures but C. parapsilosis complex was more frequent in pure culture. Candida metapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis were isolated as pure culture and both species were susceptible to all antifungal agents tested. Most C. glabrata isolates were susceptible to miconazole and nystatin, but resistant to fluconazole and itraconazole. Azole cross resistance was also observed. Candida parapsilosis isolates were susceptible to fluconazole although azole cross resistance to miconazole and itraconazole was observed. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of accurate identification and antifungal susceptibility testing of oral Candida isolates in order to have an in-depth understanding of the role of C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis in oral candidiasis.

Recent changes in the aetiology and epidemiology of invasive candidiasis have serious implications for current and future diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The aim of the current review was to discuss the epidemiology of invasive candidiasis, the distribution of Candida species in different regions of the world, the medical concerns of the changing aetiology and the emergence of antifungal resistance. Overall burden of invasive candidiasis remains high, especially in vulnerable persons, such as the elderly, immunosuppressed or debilitated patients. Moreover, there is a progressive shift in the aetiology of invasive candidiasis from Candida albicans to other species of Candida, probably related to the increased use of azole drugs with a clear trend towards increased antifungal resistance. Finally, the emergence and rise of multiresistant species, such as Candida auris or Candida glabrata, is a major threat making necessary invasive candidiasis worldwide surveillances. These changes have serious implications for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of invasive candidiasis. Updated knowledge of the current local epidemiology of invasive candidiasis is critical for the clinical management.

Candida can be implicated in the pathology of chronic periodontitis.To analyze the oral Candida carriage in patients suffering from chronic periodontitis (CP) and its correlation with the severity of this condition.Microbiological samples were taken from 155 patients using the oral rinse (OR) technique and by using paper points in the periodontal pockets (GPP). These patients were divided into 3 groups: 89 patients without CP (control), 47 with moderate CP, and 19 with severe CP. Samples were cultured in a Candida chromogenic agar for Candida. Species were identified by microbiological and molecular methods.Candida was isolated in the OR of 45 (50.6%), 21 (44.7%), and 11 (57.9%) patients, respectively, and in the GPP of 32 (36%), 14 (29.2%), and 10 (42.6%) patients from the control, moderate CP and severe CP groups, respectively. Candida was isolated more frequently and in a greater burden in OR than in GPP (p0.01). Candida albicans was the most prevalent species. GPP of patients with CP had poor fungal biodiversity (p0.01).Colonization by Candida was present in the samples of patients without CP, and with both moderate and severe CP. Nonetheless, patients with severe CP had a higher rate of Candida colonization, especially by C. albicans.

Caries and chronic periodontitis are common oral diseases where a higher Candida colonization is reported. Antifungal agents could be adjuvant drugs for the therapy of both clinical conditions. The aim of the current study has been to evaluate the in vitro activities of conventional and new antifungal drugs against oral Candida isolates from patients suffering from caries and/or chronic periodontitis. In vitro activities of amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, nystatin, posaconazole and voriconazole against 126 oral Candida isolates (75 Candida albicans, 18 Candida parapsilosis, 11 Candida dubliniensis, six Candida guilliermondii, five Candida lipolytica, five Candida glabrata, four Candida tropicalis and two Candida krusei) from 61 patients were tested by the CLSI M27-A3 method. Most antifungal drugs were highly active, and resistance was observed in less than 5% of tested isolates. Miconazole was the most active antifungal drug, being more than 98% of isolates susceptible. Fluconazole, itraconazole, and the new triazoles, posaconazole and voriconazole, were also very active. Miconazole, fluconazole and voriconazole have excellent in vitro activities against all Candida isolates and could represent suitable treatment for a hypothetically adjunctive therapy of caries and chronic periodontitis.

Background Candidiasis is one of the most common opportunistic oral infections that presents different acute and chronic clinical presentations with diverse diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The present study carries out a bibliographic review on the therapeutic tools available against oral candidiasis and their usefulness in each clinical situation. Material and Methods Recent studies on treatment of oral candidiasis were retrieved from PubMed and Cochrane Library. Results Nystatin and miconazole are the most commonly used topical antifungal drugs. Both antifungal drugs are very effective but need a long time of use to eradicate the infection. The pharmacological presentations of miconazole are more comfortable for patients but this drug may interact with other drugs and this fact should be assessed before use. Other topical alternatives for oral candidiasis, such as amphotericin B or clotrimazole, are not available in many countries. Oral fluconazole is effective in treating oral candidiasis that does not respond to topical treatment. Other systemic treatment alternatives, oral or intravenous, less used are itraconazole, voriconazole or posaconazole. Available novelties include echinocandins (anidulafungin, caspofungin) and isavuconazole. Echinocandins can only be used intravenously. Isavuconazole is available for oral and intravenous use. Other hopeful alternatives are new drugs, such as ibrexafungerp, or the use of antibodies, cytokines and antimicrobial peptides. Conclusions Nystatin, miconazole, and fluconazole are very effective for treating oral candidiasis. There are systemic alternatives for treating recalcitrant infections, such as the new triazoles, echinocandins, or lipidic presentations of amphotericin B. Key words:Oral candidiasis, antifungal treatment, azoles, echinocandins, fluconazole, miconazole, nystatin.

Candida albicans is one of the most frequent pathogens of the oral cavity, as a major cause of opportunistic disease. Moreover, Candida could be a cofactor of common oral diseases, such as dental caries. The aim of this study was to analyse the oral yeast colonisation in adults with dental caries and to evaluate its relationship with this clinical entity. We studied 190 patients distributed into controls (58 patients) and patients with caries (132 patients). Oral samples were collected by oral rinse and cultured in a chromogenic agar. C. albicans was the most prevalent species isolated from oral specimens in both groups. Patients with caries had a greater Candida colonisation (74 patients, 56.1%), than persons without caries (18 patients, 31%, P < 0.01). Patients with caries were significantly more colonised by non-C. albicans species than individuals without caries (P = 0.006). Moreover, the diversity of Candida species was richer in patients suffering from caries. The odds ratio of the colonisation of patients with caries was 3.144 (95% CI 1.525-5.478). There is a significant clinical correlation between dental caries and oral Candida colonisation in adults.

Background: Candidiasis is a major cause of human morbidity and mortality. Human uterine cervical stem cells conditioned medium (hUCESC-CM) is obtained from stromal stem cells of the cervical transformation zone, which are in permanent contact with a wide array of potential vaginal pathogens. In previous reports we have found that hUCESC-CM has antitumor and antibacterial potential. Since Candida is the most prevalent yeast in the human vagina, it seems plausible that hUCESC-CM might also show activity against it. Methods: In a preliminary step, to evaluate if hUCESC-CM showed any activity at all on Candida growth, in vitro activities of hUCESC-CM against fluconazole-susceptible reference strains of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, and Candida parapsilosis were studied with a microdilution method on RPMI 1640, using the BioScreen C microbiological incubator. Each measurement was repeated five times. The same methodology was used subsequently on fluconazole-susceptible and fluconazole-resistant Candida isolates from blood and vagina of those species corresponding to the reference strains of Candida against which activity had been detected in the previous study. Moreover, two fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates of Candida auris from blood and urine were also included. Findings: In vitro inhibitory activity of hUCESC-CM ranged from 57.5 to 96.6% growth-reduction against fluconazole-susceptible reference strains of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis. hUCESC-CM also reduced the growth of all fluconazole-susceptible tested vaginal isolates by more than 50%. For fluconazole-resistant isolates, growth-reduction was higher than 67% for Candida albicans, regardless of its origin (vagina or blood). The isolate of Candida auris from urine with a MIC > 128 μ/ml for fluconazole was also significantly inhibited. However, hUCESC-CM was almost inactive against any of the fluconazole-resistant blood isolates of Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida auris tested. Interpretation: This is the first report about the growth-inhibiting properties of conditioned medium from human stromal stem cells against different species of Candida. Antifungal activity of stromal stem cells depends on their site of origin, being most effective against Candida species most prevalent at that particular location. If confirmed in further studies, these findings might result in a completely new therapeutic approach against superficial and invasive candidiasis CM-A was a recipient of a grant from Fundación Once (Oportunidad al Talento). EM, CM-A, EE, and GQ have received grant support from Consejería de Educación, Universidades e Investigación (GIC15 IT-990-16), Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria (FIS PI11/00203), and UPV/EHU (UFI 11/25) SI

Invasive candidiasis is caused mainly by Candida albicans, but other Candida species have increasing etiologies. These species show different virulence and susceptibility levels to antifungal drugs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the usefulness of the non-conventional model Caenorhabditis elegans to assess the in vivo virulence of seven different Candida species and to compare the virulence in vivo with the in vitro production of proteinases and phospholipases, hemolytic activity and biofilm development capacity. One culture collection strain of each of seven Candida species (C. albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida metapsilosis, Candida orthopsilosis and Candida parapsilosis) was studied. A double mutant C. elegans AU37 strain (glp-4;sek-1) was infected with Candida by ingestion, and the analysis of nematode survival was performed in liquid medium every 24 h until 120 h. Candida establishes a persistent lethal infection in the C. elegans intestinal tract. C. albicans and C. krusei were the most pathogenic species, whereas C. dubliniensis infection showed the lowest mortality. C. albicans was the only species with phospholipase activity, was the greatest producer of aspartyl proteinase and had a higher hemolytic activity. C. albicans and C. krusei caused higher mortality than the rest of the Candida species studied in the C. elegans model of candidiasis.

Introduction: Biofilm production is considered a potential virulence factor of some Candida species. For this reason, an understanding of biofilm behavior of Candida albicans and its closely related species Candida dubliniensis is key to the development of effective preventive measures for invasive and oral candidiasis. The aim of this study was to compare the capacity of biofilm production by blood and oral isolates of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis using polystyrene, flat-bottomed 100-well microtiter plates. Methods: A total of 47 isolates, consisting of 28 C. albicans (16 oral and 12 blood isolates) and 19 C. dubliniensis (11 oral and 8 blood isolates) were compared for their biofilm forming ability under aerobic and static conditions. XTT reduction assay was used to quantify the sessile growth. Results: All tested isolates produced biofilm, measured as XTT metabolic activity. Biofilm formation by C. albicans isolates was statistically significantly higher than biofilm formation by C. dubliniensis isolates at 24 h (P = 0.03) and 48 h (P = 0.0001). There was a higher percentage (41.7%) of high producers of biofilms among C. albicans blood isolates than among oral isolates (31.3%), without statistically significant differences. Conclusions: This capability may allow C. albicans and C. dubliniensis to maintain their oral ecological niches as commensal or pathogenic microorganisms and can be a major virulence factor during invasive candidiasis. However, the differences in biofilm production among isolates should be taken into account when the anti-biofilm activity of antifungal agents or other virulence factors are tested in vitro. © 2011 Elsevier Espa ˜

Denture stomatitis is often treated with antifungal agents but recurrences or new episodes are common, and certain episodes can be resistant. New triazoles, such as posaconazole and voriconazole, may represent useful alternatives for management. In vitro activities of amphotericin B, nystatin, miconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole against 150 oral Candida (101 C. albicans, 18 C. tropicalis, 12 C. glabrata, 11 C. guilliermondii, 4 C. parapsilosis, 2 Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 1 C. dubliniensis and 1 C. krusei) from 100 denture wearers were tested by the CLSI M27-A3 method. Resistant isolates were retested by Sensititre YeastOne and Etest. Most antifungal agents were very active. However, 4 C. glabrata (33.3%), 2 C. tropicalis (11.1%), 6 C. albicans (5.6%) and 1 C. krusei were resistant to itraconazole. Posaconazole was active against 143 yeast isolates (95.3%): 6 C. albicans (5.9%) and 1 C. tropicalis (5.6%) were resistant. Geometric mean MICs were 0.036 μg/ml for C. parapsilosis, 0.062 μg/ml for C. albicans, 0.085 μg/ml for C. tropicalis, 0.387 μg/ml for C. guilliermondii and 0.498 μg/ml for C. glabrata. Voriconazole was active against 148 isolates (98.7%) with geometric mean MICs ranging from 0.030 μg/ml for C. parapsilosis, 0.042 μg/ml for C. albicans, 0.048 μg/ml for C. tropicalis, 0.082 μg/ml for C. guilliermondii, to 0.137 μg/ml for C. glabrata. Only 2 C. albicans (2%) were resistant to voriconazole showing cross-resistance to other azoles. Posaconazole and voriconazole have excellent in vitro activities against all Candida isolates and could represent useful alternatives for recalcitrant or recurrent candidiasis.

Summary The aim of the present study was to characterise phospholipase and proteinase activities of oral Candida isolates from 100 denture wearers and to study the relationship of these activities with denture stomatitis. Of 100 patients studied, 44 suffered from denture stomatitis. Specimens were collected by swabbing the denture and underlying mucosa. Isolates were previously identified by conventional mycological and genotypic methods. The phospholipase and proteinase activities were evaluated by agar plate methods. A total of 152 isolates were recovered from denture and underlying mucosa, including 101 Candida albicans, 18 Candida tropicalis, 14 Candida glabrata, 11 Candida guilliermondii, four Candida parapsilosis, two Saccharomyces cerevisiae and one isolate each of Candida dubliniensis and Candida krusei. Most C. albicans (97%) showed phospholipase activity; furthermore, the unique C. dubliniensis isolate showed a moderate phospholipase activity. The isolation of C. albicans (chi-square test, P = 0.0016) and phospholipase production by Candida spp. (chi-square test, P = 0.0213) was found to be significantly associated with denture stomatitis. Proteinase production was observed in

Sertaconazole is a useful antifungal agent against mycoses of the skin and mucosa, such as cutaneous, genital and oral candidiasis and tinea pedis. Its antifungal activity is due to inhibition of the ergosterol biosynthesis and disruption of the cell wall. At higher concentrations, sertaconazole is able to bind to nonsterol lipids of the fungal cell wall, increasing the permeability and the subsequent death of fungal cells. Fungistatic and fungicidal activities on Candida are dose-dependent. The antifungal spectrum of sertaconazole includes deramophytes, Candida, Cryptococcus, Malassezia and also Aspergillus, Scedosporium and Scopulariopsis. Sertaconazole also shows an antimicrobial activity against streptococci, staphylococci and protozoa (Trichomonas). In clinical trials including patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis, a single dose of sertaconazole produced a higher cure rate compared with other topical azoles such as econazole and clotrimazole, in shorter periods. Sertaconazole has shown an anti-inflammatory effect that is very useful for the relief of unpleasant symptoms Fil: Carrillo Muñoz, Alfonso Javier. Departamento de Microbiología-Micología, ACIAM,; España Fil: Tur Tur, Cristina. SDPI CAP Manso; España Fil: Giusiano, Gustavo Emilio. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Instituto de Medicina Regional; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Marcos Arias, Cristina. Universidad del País Vasco-Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea; España Fil: Eraso, Elena. Universidad del País Vasco-Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea; España Fil: Jauregizar, Nerea. Universidad del País Vasco-Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea; España Fil: Quindós, Guillermo. Universidad del País Vasco-Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea; España

The aim of the present study was to characterise phospholipase and proteinase activities of oral Candida isolates from 100 denture wearers and to study the relationship of these activities with denture stomatitis. Of 100 patients studied, 44 suffered from denture stomatitis. Specimens were collected by swabbing the denture and underlying mucosa. Isolates were previously identified by conventional mycological and genotypic methods. The phospholipase and proteinase activities were evaluated by agar plate methods. A total of 152 isolates were recovered from denture and underlying mucosa, including 101 Candida albicans, 18 Candida tropicalis, 14 Candida glabrata, 11 Candida guilliermondii, four Candida parapsilosis, two Saccharomyces cerevisiae and one isolate each of Candida dubliniensis and Candida krusei. Most C. albicans (97%) showed phospholipase activity; furthermore, the unique C. dubliniensis isolate showed a moderate phospholipase activity. The isolation of C. albicans (chi-square test, P = 0.0016) and phospholipase production by Candida spp. (chi-square test, P = 0.0213) was found to be significantly associated with denture stomatitis. Proteinase production was observed in30% of isolates, and it was not related to the presence of denture stomatitis (P = 0.7675). Candida albicans isolates may produce both virulence factors, although the proteinase production was only observed in30% of the isolates. Phospholipase production was exclusive of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis.

Objective To describe the isolation of Candida dubliniensis from a patient with denture stomatitis and to compare with the presence of yeasts in the oral cavities of denture wearers. Design One hundred and fifty-two Candida isolates were recovered through oral swabs from denture as well as the underlying mucosa from 100 patients wearing denture. For detection and identification of fungal isolates, standard phenotypic and genotypic methods were used. Results Forty-five of 100 denture wearers suffered from denture stomatitis. Seventy-three Candida isolates were recovered from 38 denture wearers without denture stomatitis. In this group, Candida albicans was the predominant species (58.9%), followed by Candida tropicalis (15.1%), Candida guilliermondii (13.7%), Candida glabrata (9.6%), and Candida parapsilosis (2.7%). Seventy-nine isolates were yielded from 40 patients suffering from denture stomatitis. C. albicans was also the most frequently isolated species (58 isolates, 73.4%), followed by C. glabrata and C. tropicalis (7 isolates each, 8.9%), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (2 isolates, 2.5%). One isolate was yielded of the following species: Candida famata, Candida krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. guilliermondii . Moreover 1 isolate was phenotypic and genotypic identified as C. dubliniensis genotype 1. Conclusions C. albicans is the predominant fungal species isolated from denture wearers. C. dubliniensis could be isolated from adults with denture stomatitis.

Background Candida-associated denture stomatitis is a frequent infectious disease. Treatment of this oral condition is difficult because failures and recurrences are common. The aim of this study was to test the in vitro antifungal activity of pure constituents of essentials oils. Methods Eight terpenic derivatives (carvacrol, farnesol, geraniol, linalool, menthol, menthone, terpinen-4-ol, and α-terpineol), a phenylpropanoid (eugenol), a phenethyl alcohol (tyrosol) and fluconazole were evaluated against 38 Candida isolated from denture-wearers and 10 collection Candida strains by the CLSI M27-A3 broth microdilution method. Results Almost all the tested compounds showed antifungal activity with MIC ranges of 0.03-0.25% for eugenol and linalool, 0.03-0.12% for geraniol, 0.06-0.5% for menthol, α-terpineol and terpinen-4-ol, 0.03-0.5% for carvacrol, and 0.06-4% for menthone. These compounds, with the exception of farnesol, menthone and tyrosol, showed important in vitro activities against the fluconazole-resistant and susceptible-dose dependent Candida isolates. Conclusions Carvacrol, eugenol, geraniol, linalool and terpinen-4-ol were very active in vitro against oral Candida isolates. Their fungistatic and fungicidal activities might convert them into promising alternatives for the topic treatment of oral candidiasis and denture stomatitis.