Analysis of the in vitro adherence of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to investigate the in vitro adherence capacity of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Adherence assays were conducted on dental surfaces and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Extracted human teeth were inoculated with Streptococcus mutans or Candida albicans and with both species simultaneously, and incubated at 37ºC for 21 days. Bacterial inocula had been obtained from saliva samples of children that had been colonized by both organisms. ATCC reference strains were used as controls. SEM analyses showed that the biofilm that covered the entire analyzed dental surface was more homogeneous inoculated with the two microorganisms simultaneously than with each species separately. In a second experiment, carried out with isolates that had shown the highest adherence the isolates were tested for adherence to high-density polyethylene substrates. The potentialization of the adherence capacity of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans when in association was confirmed.

Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus and Candida albicans in oral samples from caries-free and caries-active children

“…Furthermore, an association was observed between the occurrence of S. mutans and C. albicans in the caries-active group. Co-infection of C. albicans and S. mutans leads to a higher adherence potential than either species would have if cultured separately, and also to the formation of a more homogeneous biofilm (Barbieri et al 2007). The morphology of yeast and its pathogenesis, including its adherence potential, virulence, and biofilm formation, is influenced by environmental changes such as glucose starvation, growth temperature, carbohydrate rich diet and the presence of streptococci (Holmes et al 1995).…”

Lactobacillus acidophilus-derived biosurfactant effect on gtfB and gtfC expression level in Streptococcus mutans biofilm cells

“…Its ability to adhere to the teeth surface is vital for the initiation and progression of dental caries (3,6,31). The S. mutans adhesion mechanism is related to synthesis of both extracellular enzymes, glucosyl transferase (GTF) and fructosyl transferase (FTF) (7,17,26).…”

Association of Oral Candidal Carriage with Dental Caries in Children

“…However, recently Candida species has been associated with dental caries [de Carvalho et al, 2006;Rozkiewicz et al, 2006; UgunCan et al, 2007]. The presence of Candida has been shown to enhance the adherence of Streptococcus mutans to the oral biofilm and carious tooth substance in vitro [Barbieri et al, 2007]. These findings provide indirect evidence for the association of Candida species in dental caries.…”