Distribution of Candida dubliniensis from Denture Membrane Surfaces

Abstract

It is difficult to separate Candida dubliniensis from Candida albicans in clinical specimens, because the phenotypic characteristics of C.dubliniensis are similar to those of C.albicans.In this study, we examined the distribution of C. dubliniensis from denture membrane surfaces and the genotype of C. albicans. Twenty-two subjects provided samples obtained using swabs from the denture membrane surfaces of worn dentures. CHROMagar TM Candida medium was used for the isolation of Candida spp. Candida spp. were detected in 18 of the 22 subjects, and Candida spp. constituted 0.256% (range: 0~1.41%) of the total cultivable microorganisms. C. dubliniensis was detected in 5 of 18 subjects (27.8%). C. dubliniensis was found in coexistence with C. albicans or C. glabrata. As a result of the classification of C. albicans by genotype analysis, the predominant genotype was found to be A. In conclusion, we found that C. dubliniensis was present in healthy denture-wearing individuals.