Biofilm of Candida albicans from oral cavity of an HIV-infected child: challenge on enamel microhardness

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of C. albicans on enamel microhardness in vitro. Candida albicans was isolated from the oral mucosa (M) and dentin carious lesion (D) of an HIV+ child. Three groups of 12 enamel blocks each were placed in Petri plates (yeast carbon base agar/1% bovine serum albumin): G1, exposed to biofilm formed by C. albicans from M; G2, exposed to biofilm formed by C. albicans from D; G3, no biofilm. Three enamel blocks from each group were removed on days 3, 5, 8, and 10 after biofilm formation to measure the cross-sectional Knoop microhardness (CSMH) of the enamel areas, exposed and not exposed to biofilm. CSMH decreased in G1 and G2: in G1 on day 5, and in G2 on day 3 (analysis of variance: P < .05; Mann-Whitney test: P < .05), with a similar mean percentage reduction for both groups. Candida albicans can reduce enamel microhardness in vitro.