The Prevalence of Candida albicans in Denture Wearers in an Israeli Geriatric Hospital1

Abstract

Thirty-seven patients wearing complete dentures were investigated for Candida albicans. Twenty-five of the patients suffered from denture stomatitis and twelve had clinically normal mucosa. Candida albicans was isolated and identified from Sabouraud dextrose agar culture medium models constructed from impressions of the maxilla and from the upper dentures. The presence of Candida albicans was demonstrated in all denture wearers suffering from denture stomatitis and in 82% of denture wearers in a control group. A higher concentration of Candida was found in the denture stomatitis group. Large quantities of Candida resided in the denture base and not in the palate. Candida was also found in the denture base in areas not related to the lesion. The concentration of Candida was related to denture cleanliness.