Factors affecting the in-vitro adherence of Candida albicans to acrylic surfaces

Abstract

The fitting surface of the upper denture is the main reservoir of yeasts in patients with chronic atrophic candidosis. Because little is known about the adhesion of Candida albicans to acrylic surfaces, an in-vitro technique was used to investigate the effect of sucrose, glucose, lactose, xylitol, mixed and parotid saliva, serum and Streptococcus salivarius on adhesion. Enhancement of candidal adhesion was seen on serum-coated acrylic strips and by yeasts incubated in sucrose, glucose and a dialysate of Strep. salivarius. Pre-coating acrylic strips with mixed saliva, 2 per cent chlorhexidine and Strep. salivarius reduced adhesion, while pre-coating strips with 0.2 per cent chlorhexidine and parotid saliva or pre-incubating yeasts in lactose and xylitol had no significant effect on adhesion. This study suggests that the factors involved in the adhesion of C. albicans to acrylic surfaces are complex, and that they may play an important role in the aetiology of chronic atrophic candidosis.