Prevalence of candida in elderly adults with removable dental prostheses

Authors

  • Verónica Alicia Vega Martínez
  • María Belén Muñoz Padilla
  • María Fernanda Reinoso Benavides
  • Melany Dayanara Montenegro Yucaz

Keywords:

Candida albicans, removable dental prostheses, elderly adults, prevalence, oral candidiasis

Abstract

The use of removable dental prostheses in elderly adults is associated with an increased risk of colonization by Candida species, which can lead to oral infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of Candida species in elderly adults using removable dental prostheses at the "Divino Niño" Elderly Care Center in Ibarra, Ecuador. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 30 patients, where oral mucosa samples were collected using sterile swabs. The samples were cultured in Sabouraud medium, and Candida species were identified using a specific chromogenic medium. The results revealed a high prevalence of Candida albicans (76.7 %) in this population, followed by Candida glabrata (13.3 %), Candida tropicalis (6.7 %), and Candida dubliniensis (3.3 %). These findings suggest a strong association between the use of removable dental prostheses and colonization by Candida albicans, with this species being the predominant one. The identification of other species, although less frequent, highlights the microbiological diversity present in the oral cavity of these patients. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and preventive interventions in elderly adults with removable dental prostheses to effectively prevent and manage Candida infections, thereby improving the quality of life of this vulnerable population.

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Published

2024-12-07

How to Cite

1.
Vega Martínez VA, Muñoz Padilla MB, Reinoso Benavides MF, Montenegro Yucaz MD. Prevalence of candida in elderly adults with removable dental prostheses. Rev Cubana Inv Bioméd [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 7 [cited 2025 Dec. 8];43. Available from: https://revibiomedica.sld.cu/index.php/ibi/article/view/3616