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. 2017 Jan-Feb;25(1):53-60.
doi: 10.1590/1678-77572016-0021.

Role of Candida species from HIV infected children in enamel caries lesions: an in vitro study

Senda Charone  1   2 , Maristela Barbosa Portela  3 , Karol de Oliveira Martins  3 , Rosangela Maria Soares  4 , Gloria Fernanda Castro  1
Affiliations

Role of Candida species from HIV infected children in enamel caries lesions: an in vitro study

Senda Charone et al. J Appl Oral Sci. 2017 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

Objectives: This study analyzed the capacity of Candida spp. from dental biofilm of HIV infected (HIV+) children to demineralize primary molar enamel in vitro by Transversal Microhardness (TMH), Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and the quantity of calcium ions (Ca2+) released from the enamel.

Material and methods: Candida spp. samples were isolated from the supragingival biofilm of HIV+ children. A hundred and forty (140) enamel blocks were randomly assigned to six groups: biofilm formed by C. albicans (Group 1); mixed biofilm formed by C. albicans and C. tropicalis (Group 2); mixed biofilm formed by C. albicans and C. parapsilosis (Group 3); mixed biofilm formed by C. albicans, C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata (Group 4); biofilm formed by C. albicans ATCC (Group 5) and medium without Candida (Group 6). Enamel blocks from each group were removed on days 3, 5, 8 and 15 after biofilm formation to evaluate the TMH and images of enamel were analyzed by PLM. The quantity of Ca2+ released, from Groups 1 and 6, was determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The SPSS program was used for statistical analysis and the significance level was 5%.

Results: TMH showed a gradual reduction in enamel hardness (p<0.05) from the 1st to 15th day, but mainly five days after biofilm formation in all groups. The PLM showed superficial lesions indicating an increase in porosity. C. albicans caused the release of Ca2+ into suspension during biofilm formation.

Conclusion: Candida species from dental biofilm of HIV+ children can cause demineralization of primary enamel in vitro.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) images of the enamel blocks from Group 1 (C. albicans biofilm), according to the different periods of exposure. Images A, C, E and G are the areas of enamel exposed to biofilm of C. albicans on 1st, 5th, 8th and 15th day respectively. Images B, D, F and H represent the respective controls (areas not exposed to biofilm)
Figure 2
Figure 2. Release of calcium ions (µg/mL) during C. albicans biofilm formation, according to the different periods of exposure. A=control, B=1st day, C=3rd day, D=5th day, E=8th day, F=10th day, G=12th day and H=15th day
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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