Occurrence and predisposing factors associated to the genus Candida in children

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.201640017380

Abstract

The objectives of this study are: 1. to assess the frequency of the yeast Candida in the oral mucosa of children in relation
to predisposing factors such as caries, food and oral hygiene, and 2. to identify Candida species in caries-active children.
We adopted an exploratory and descriptive methodology within a quantitative and qualitative approach. Oral mucosa
of 59 children aged 2-12, treated at the Comprehensive Dental Clinic of Maria Milza College (CLIOF-FAMAM), were
sampled with swab from March to May 2014. A questionnaire was administered to the legal representatives to assess
the child’s behavior, and a dental clinical evaluation was performed to determine the number of active caries per child.
Candida species were identified by means of chromogenic culture media (CHROMagarTMCandida). Forty five point
seventy six percent of the children were infected by Candida, being more frequent among males aged 8-10. Most of
the active-caries children presented at least one Candida species, mainly Candida albicans followed by Candida krusei,
Candida tropicalis and Candida spp. A positive association between the presence of Candida and caries, and poor oral
hygiene was verified.