Presence of Candida species in the subgingival oral biofilm of patients with peri-implantitis.

Abstract

There are no studies that have investigated the presence of Candida species in the subgingival oral biofilm (OB) of patients with peri-implantitis. The aim was to assess the presence of Candida species in the subgingival OB of patients with peri-implantitis. Individuals with (group A) and without (group B) peri-implantitis were included. Life style related and demographic data were collected using a questionnaire. In both groups, peri-implant plaque-index (PI), bleeding-on-probing (BOP), and probing-depth (PD) were evaluated and crestal bone loss (CBL) were measured on digital bitewing radiographs. In both groups, subgingival OB samples were collected using sterile paper points. Identification of Candida species was performed using ChromAgar medium and colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) were determined. Statistical analysis was performed, and level of significance was set at P < 0.05. The mean age of individuals in groups A (n = 43) and B (n = 41) were 52.2 ± 4.4 and 55.1 ± 2.3 years, respectively. All participants were male. In groups A and B, implants were in function for 7.4 ± 1.3 and 6.8 ± 0.6 years, respectively. Scores of peri-implant PI (P < 0.001), BOP (P < 0.001), PD (P < 0.001), and CBL (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in group A than group B. Subgingival Candida was isolated from the OB of 33 (76.7%) patients in group A and 5 (12.2%) individuals in group B. The most common yeast species was Candida albicans, which was isolated from 67.4% to 60% individuals in groups A and B, respectively. The number of subgingival oral yeasts CFU/mL were significantly higher in group A (3147.54 ± 1052.6 CFU/mL) compared with group B (496.68 ± 100.2 CFU/mL; P < 0.01). Candida species (predominantly C. albicans) are present in the subgingival OB of patients with peri-implantitis. Community-based efforts toward routine oral hygiene maintenance are needed to improve oral health and minimize the risks of peri-implant diseases in populations.