A possible role in pathogenesis of denture stomatitis

proteolytic activity of Candida albicans.

Abstract

Strains of Candida albicans, serotype A were isolated from patients with and without denture stomatitis, and proteolytic activity of each was tested using the original as well as 2 modifications of Staib’s Serum-Protein-Agar method. Aerobic growth characteristics and acid production were measured after culturing for 72 hours, at 37℃ in Sabouraud’s dextrose liquid media by titration of colony forming units and measurement of pH in the respective supernatants. Each of 3 strains of C. albicans, serotype A with low or high proteolytic activity was then tested for its ability to produce palatal candidosis in the rat. Results were as follows:

1. Three different Candida aspecies were identified of which C. albicans, serotype A was the most frequent.

2. Strains of C. albicans, serotype A isolated from patients with denture stomatitis type Ⅱ tended to have a higher proteolytic activity than those isolated either from controls or patients with denture stomatitis type I.

3. There was no difference noted in either the acid production or growth characteristics of C. albicans, serotype A strains isolated from patients with or without denture stomatitis.

4. Strains of C. albicans, serotype A with high proteolytic activity produced palatal candidosis more frequently than those with low proteolytic activity.

Results of this study suggest that proteolytic activity of C. albicans, serotype A may play a role in the pathogenesis of denture stomatitis.