SURFACE COLONIZATION OF CANDIDA SPP. IN CONVENTIONAL AND DOUBLE-LAYER COMPLETE DENTURES - A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Background: The scientific interest in dominant Candida species colonizing the surface of conventional and double-layer dentures (D-LCDs) is still topical. Numerous studies are comparing fungal colonization in both types of removable dentures. Aim: Performing a comparative analysis of the colonization of Candida spp. on the dentures surfaces of the conventional (CCDs) and the double-layer dentures (soft-lined) complete dentures (D-LCDs) over six months, placing them under the same intraoral in vivo conditions. Methods: For isolating Candida spp., specimens were obtained from inner denture surfaces using two sterile swabs, one for the upper complete denture (n=28) and one for the lower complete denture (n=28). The culture-based Candida detection method with CHROM agar was used to identify Candida species. Results: In the third month after dentures delivery C. Albicans is the predominant Candida spp. found on both types of complete dentures surface and isolated in 46 % of the patients with conventional complete dentures and 43 % with double-layer dentures (p>0.05). In the sixth month of the finished prosthetic treatment, combinations of C. Albicans and non-albicans Candida, predominantly C. Tropicalis, C. Glabrata and C. Parapsilosis, were found in 43 % of D-LCDs and 45 % of CCDs (p>0.05). Conclusion: There was no difference in colonization based on the different materials used for denture fabrication. However, there is a significant proportional change for all studied Candida spp. over the period (3-6 months after delivery), irrespective of the denture material used.