Investigating Biofilm Production, Coagulase and Hemolytic Activity in Candida Species Isolated from Denture Stomatitis Patients/Protez Stomatitli Hastalardan Izole Edilen Candida Turlerinde Biofilm Uretimi, Koagulaz Ve Hemolitik Aktivite Arastirilmasi (Original Article) (Report‪)‬

Introduction Candida is a commensal fungus that harmlessly inhabits various niches of the human body, including the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, vagina and skin of healthy individuals [1]. Candida has been recognized as a part of the normal oral flora that has no harmful effects on the host. There are 300 to 400 species of microorganisms in the oral cavity, including 20 species of Candida. The fungus is frequently isolated from various oral sites, including the tongue, cheek, palatal mucosa, dentures, dental plaque, dental caries and subgingival flora [2]. It is estimated that the oral cavity is colonized by Candida in 40 to 60% of the population. Changes in the oral environment, which can be affected by tooth loss or denture wearing, can cause changes in the oral microflora [3]. When considering only those who wear dentures, the proportion of the population colonized by Candida increase to 60-100%. C. albicans is the most common species, and its various strains account for almost 70% of Candida isolates. In addition to C. albicans, other species including C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. kefyr, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis are also typically isolated from denture and non-denture wearers [4-8].