Abstract
The frequency of the genus Candida, which is a microorganism that causes opportunistic infection was examined in the oral swab samples collected from 33 nursing home residents and 18 persons living in their own homes. To confirm the identification of Candida species and C. albicans serotypes, serological tests were performed. Further, isolated C. albicans were evaluated for Candida acid proteinase activity. The results obtained were as follows:
1. Genus Candida was detected in 25 cases (75.8%), whereas in the control subjects 9 cases (50.0%) wereisolated.
2. Genus Candida constituted a very small proportion of the total cultivable bacteria count. The average detection ratio of genus Candida was 0.086% in nursing home residents and 0.007% in control subjects who were Candida positive.
3. C. albicans alone was mainly found in the nursing home residents and control subjects with 9/25 and 5/8, respectively. The coexistence of C. albicans and C. glabrata was found in 7/25 of nursing home residents. Most of the isolated C. albicans were identified with serotype A.
4. No difference in Candida proteinase activity was revealed between the nursing home residents and control subjects, although the proteinase activities of each isolate were different.
These results suggested that oral care should be provided to the elderly to inhibit the potential of opportunistic infection in the oral cavity and systemic sites.
