Isolation of Candida species from the oral cavity and fingertips of complete denture wearers

Abstract

Statement of problem.Candida species usually colonize in the oral cavity of denture wearers and may also colonize on their fingers because of frequent manual manipulation of the dentures. Purpose. This study investigated the association between oral and fingertip candidal isolation in a group of denture wearers. Material and methods. Oral rinse and fingerprints obtained from 25 healthy male complete denture wearers were microbiologically investigated for candidal growth, and isolated Candida species were identified with a germ tube test and a commercially available yeast identification system. Denture cleanliness, hand washing, and denture wearing and handling habits were recorded for each subject. Results.Candida species were isolated from the oral cavity of 15 (60%) and fingertips of 11 (44%) subjects. Ten (66.7%) subjects had concomitant oral and fingertip candidal isolation, whereas 5 (33.3%) subjects had only oral Candida (P=.005). Conclusion. The hands of denture wearers who had oral Candida were significantly more colonized with Candida species than oral Candida-free subjects. Further studies identifying Candida species to the strain level and the significance of hand Candida as a source for mouth reinfection are needed. (J Prosthet Dent 2001;86:420-3.)