The adherence of Candida albicans to acrylic resin reinforced with different fibers.

One important aethiological factor in the pathogenesis of chronic atrophic candidosis is the presence of Candida albicans on the fitting surface of the dentures. Fibers may come into contact with oral mucosa during the finishing procedures of acrylic resins. The exposed fibers may provide mechanical retention for yeast cells at the interface of the components. The effect of two different glass fibers and two different environments were evaluated in respect of Candida albicans adhesion to the acrylic surface. Half of the acrylic samples reinforced with two different fibers (Sticknet and Eversticknet) were pretreated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and the rest with unstimulated saliva. The test specimens were placed in yeast suspension. The adhered cells were examined with a scanning electron microscope. The amount of adhered cells in PBS was lower for Eversticknet but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). The number of yeast cells decreased in saliva for both groups and the difference was statistically significant for the samples reinforced with Eversticknet (p < 0.01). The use of Sticknet or Eversticknet as reinforcing material for poly(methylmethacrylate) had no effect on surface topography due to the same adhesion state of Candida albicans. The presence of a salivary pellicle derived from unstimulated saliva reduced adhesion of Candida albicans.