[Clinical application and evaluation of the paper-disk for detecting Candida albicans]

The media and indicators were absorbed in a paper-disk (P-D) which is made of filters of mixed cellulose. When P-D is inoculated and cultured at 37 degrees C, the presence of Candida albicans can be shown by the color change from white to brown within 24 hours. Results showed that P-D was specific to Candida species, and the susceptibility was 380 CFU/ml. Fifty patients suspected of oral candidosis were detected by P-D. Its positive percentage of findings was insignificant compared with that of the conventional cultures (P > 0.05). However, P-D is easy to manipulate and inexpensive, and particularly useful because result can be obtained within 24 hours.