J Prosthet Dent. 2001 Oct;86(4):420-3.

Isolation of Candida species from the oral cavity and fingertips of complete denture wearers.

Darwazeh AM¹, Al-Refai S, Al-Mojaiwel S.

Author information

1: Oral Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. darwazeh@just.edu.jo

Abstract

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM:

Candida species usually colonize in the oral cavity of denture wearers and may also colonize on their fingers because of frequent manual manipulation of the dentures.

PURPOSE:

This study investigated the association between oral and fingertip candidal isolation in a group of denture wearers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Oral rinse and fingerprints obtained from 25 healthy male complete denture wearers were microbiologically investigated for candidal growth, and isolated Candida species were identified with a germ tube test and a commercially available yeast identification system. Denture cleanliness, hand washing, and denture wearing and handling habits were recorded for each subject.

RESULTS:

Candida species were isolated from the oral cavity of 15 (60%) and fingertips of 11 (44%) subjects. Ten (66.7%) subjects had concomitant oral and fingertip candidal isolation, whereas 5 (33.3%) subjects had only oral Candida (P=.005).

CONCLUSION:

The hands of denture wearers who had oral Candida were significantly more colonized with Candida species than oral Candida-free subjects. Further studies identifying Candida species to the strain level and the significance of hand Candida as a source for mouth reinfection are needed.