OCCURRENCE OF CANDIDA SPP. IN HEALTHY ORAL MICROBIOTA

Background
Candida is a strain of fungi that is found on the surface of healthy mucous membranes of the oral cavity. Yet, Candida may also be considered opportunistic microorganisms. The pathogenicity of Candida spp depends on strain-specific characteristics including, invasiveness, adhesion, and production of biofilm abilities as well as the production of enzymes allowing the colonization of tissue. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the frequency of Candida spp. occurrence in the oral microbiota of healthy adults, and its relation with risk factors and colonization.

Material and methods
This study consisted of 72 healthy participants (from the Lubelskie Voivodeship between 19 and 73 years of age). Medical history was collected to determine potential relationships to risk factors affecting oral microbiota (past oral cavity diseases, chronic diseases, and smoking). The participants who were qualified had no oral cavity infections during the study. The collected clinical samples (oral cavity swabs) were disseminated on the chromogenic base for isolation and differentiation of Candida spp.

Results
The frequency of Candida spp. occurrence was at the level of 63.8%. C. albicans was the most frequently identified species (56.5%). C. glabrata (45.6%) and C. tropicalis (23.9%) were identified less often. In 21.7% of swabs, two species of Candida were identified and in 2.2% of swabs three species identified. The most common colonization risk factor was associated with smoking (32.6%).

Conclusions
Yeasts of Candida species are part of the healthy microflora of the oral cavity in people of different ages and may occur as single species or coexist with other species. The coexistence of chronic diseases, propensity for oral cavity infections and smoking significantly influence the Candida colonization. This may result in future clinical consequences, for example in cases of immunodepression.