Occurrence of CandidaSpecies Colonization in a Population of Denture-Wearing Immigrants

Infection of the oral cavity and dentures by Candidaspecies are frequent in denture wearers. C. albicansis the most common pathogen; however, other emerging Candidaspecies are also responsible for this condition. Few data are available about the occurrence of Candidaspecies in the oral cavities of denture-wearing immigrants to Italy. In this study, we compare the Candidaspecies found in the oral mucosa and on dentures from a population of denture wearing immigrants to Italy to a matched Italian group. Oral swabs were collected from dentures and the underlying mucosa of patients enrolled in the study and were then cultured to test for the presence of Candidaspecies in each sample. Out of 168 patients enrolled (73 Italians and 95 immigrants), 51 Italians (69.8%) and 75 immigrants (78.9%) tested positive for the presence of Candida. Candida albicanswas the most frequently observed species overall; however, we found a higher occurrence of C. glabrataamong immigrants than among Italians. In addition, immigrants displayed a higher incidence of Candida– associated stomatitis and a lower mean age than Candida-positive individuals from the Italian group. Immigrants are more prone to longer colonization of the oral mucosa and dentures by Candida. In these patients, dentures must be checked periodically to prevent the presence of Candida.