ElevatedCandida albicansscores obtained by microscopic examination of subgingival plaque from atypical periodontal disease sites in immunocompromised states (especially AIDS)

Abstract

Gingivitis and periodontitis have immunologic aspects that can influence or be influenced by the pathogenic microbiota present. In immunocompromised states, especially AIDS, an abnormal gingivitis (HIV-G) and periodontitis (HIV-P) are known. Although acute periodontal lesions generally respond to conventional therapy, in AIDS patients the atypical lesions may also be present which deteriorate further.Candida albicans(CA) lesions of the oral mucosa (not due to diabetes, cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy or antibiotics) were present in almost all AIDS patients and were helpful in defining this disease. In 1988 it was shown that CA could be cultured from a greater percentage of the atypical than the conventional gingivitis or periodontitis sites in AIDS patients but this required many hours and could not show the relative number of CA present in the different sites.