Oral colonization by Candida species - Part I - Prevalence and colonization

Abstract

Candida species are frequently colonizing the oral cavity of a great number of people. However, they are opportunistic pathogens, responsible for mucosal infection and can be spread in the host, causing deep infections, mainly in immunocompromised patients. Data which provide the prevalence of Candida colonization in health populations, removable prosthesis users and patients with systemic and immunological disorders are the bases for the knowledge on the relationship with the host, such as adhesion, biofilm formation and interactions among microorga- nisms. This review was intended to collect information about coloniza- tion and prevalence of Candida species in different populations and the associated risk factors, using the present literature, focusing the most important dental aspects.