Growth patterns of Candida albicans in relation to radicular dentin

WOS: A1997XK78200018PubMed ID: 9247954Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen isolated from the oral cavity. The role of this organism as an endodontic pathogen is poorly understood. Objectives. The aim of this study was to observe the interaction of C. albicans with root canal walls and the growth patterns of this microorganism in relation to radicular dentin. Study design. Fifteen root sections were infected with C. albicans grown in calf serum and incubated for various periods. The sections were fixed in glutaraldehyde, split into two halves, and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Results, Blastospores and hyphal structures were observed on the root canal walls of all specimens. Filamentous hyphal form was dominant in 5-day specimens. Most of the hyphae and blastospores showed penetration into dentinal tubules. The body of germinating mother cells and hyphae demonstrated collapsed cell walls as a result of vacuole formation. Conclusions. With this invasive affinity to dentinal structures, C. albicans may be considered a dentinophilic microorganism

Colonization of Candida albicans on cleaned human dental hard tissues

WOS: A1997XV72100007PubMed ID: 9296271Candida albicans is a fungus that commonly infects oral mucosal surfaces. Limited data exist on biofilm formation by C. albicans on dental surfaces. Human premolar teeth were infected with C. albicans for 10 days and hard-tissue surfaces were examined with a scanning electron microscope. Enamel, cementum and dentine, in the absence or presence of a smear layer, were readily colonized by this micro-organism. Hyphae penetrated into cracks, followed the ridges of the cavities and migrated into dentinal tubules. Blastospores and hyphae were embedded in an extracellular material. These findings suggest that dental hard tissues may be invaded by C. albicans and thus can potentially present a reservoir for disseminating candidal infections. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd