Significado da densidade de Candida spp. na candidáse bucal

Abstract

A clear understanding of the epidemiology of Candida infection seems to be important, because even when successfully treated, recurrence is very common. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of yeast density for clinical signs of development of oral candidiasis. Oral mucosa was examined for clinical signs of candidiasis, and pooled unstimulated saliva from 100 volunteers, was used for the evaluation of Candida density. No treatment or intervention was made at this point, but the relative risk for candidiasis development was calculated. The results pointed that yeast density may be a major factor in the development of candidiasis relative risk = 12.17 when Candida density is >1x10³. Among associated factors, the higher relative risk was the presence of prosthesis; followed by: 1) individuals >45 years of age, 2) women, 3) people with compromised general health and/or on medications. The results support the hypothesis that predisposing conditions are significant in Candida species carrier status, but the density of Candida may be the primary factor for the development of candidiasis. Because of these results we suggest that the density of Candida must be carefully controlled in patients presenting predisposing factors.