Abstract
Abstract Introduction Candida albicans is the yeast most commonly affecting the oral cavity, sometimes causing infection. However, several factors may be associated with the onset of candidiasis, which may be related not only to the hygiene and health of individuals, but also to the pathogenicity of these microorganisms. Objective To evaluate the virulence factors of Candida yeasts isolated from the oral mucosa of elderly people living in the “Comunidade Lago do Limão”, municipality of Iranduba, Amazonas state, Brazil. Material and method Testes were performed to assess the production of urease, proteinase, phospholipase and hemolysin. Statistical analysis used the Fisher's exact test and the Chi-squared test. Result Prevalence of non-albicans species was observed. As for virulence factors, all isolates were negative ureases, and there was prevalence of very strong proteinase production, whereas most isolates did not produce this enzyme in the phospholipase test. All yeasts analyzed presented hemolysin production, with grade IV hemolysis as the most prevalent. There was no statistically significant difference between the virulence of isolates from the oral cavity and the prostheses of the elderly analyzed. Conclusion Several virulence factors may present with high intensity in the presence of oral microbiota changes. In addition, non-albicans species present number of virulence factors similar to that of C. albicans, with high pathogenicity. This study allows a better analysis of candidiasis prevention strategies aiming to promote improvement in the health and quality of life for the elderly.
Highlights
Candida albicans is the yeast most commonly affecting the oral cavity, sometimes causing infection
The use of dental prostheses that favor the colonization of C. albicans by altering the oral microbiota lead to the emergence of candidiasis[1,2,3,4]
Candida albicans is the species most commonly associated with infection, accounting for over 80% of the fungi isolated from the oral cavity[5,6]
Summary
Candida albicans is the yeast most commonly affecting the oral cavity, sometimes causing infection. As for virulence factors, all isolates were negative ureases, and there was prevalence of very strong proteinase production, whereas most isolates did not produce this enzyme in the phospholipase test. Candidiasis is an infectious process caused by fungi of genus Candida. This microorganism has a commensal relationship with the host, but when there is an imbalance in this flora, it can become pathogenic, affecting approximately 10% of elderly people with poor health. Candida albicans is the species most commonly associated with infection, accounting for over 80% of the fungi isolated from the oral cavity[5,6]. The acute manifestation is pseudomembranous and erythematous, whereas the chronic manifestation presents lesions such as chronic hyperplasia, prosthetic stomatitis, medial rhomboid glossitis, angular cheilitis, and hairy tongue[5,6]
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