Characterisation of the bacterial microbiota associated with denture-wearing patients showing clinical symptoms of denture-associated stomatitis (chronic erythematous candidiasis), and those with no clinical symptoms. Bacterial microbiota characterisation of denture-wearing patients

Denture-associated stomatitis (chronic erythematous candidiasis, DS) affects up to two-thirds of denture wearers. Clinically, the infection presents as inflammation of the palatal mucosa, onto which the denture-fitting surface is in prolonged contact. Polymicrobial biofilms that ride on the denture-fitting surface, comprising a range of oral bacterial species, and commonly, the fungus Candida albicans, can lead to irritation of the palatal mucosa, and subsequent inflammation.The onset of DS is multifactorial, and includes general dental/denture hygiene, smoking habits, nocturnal or prolonged denture wearing, in addition to a range of host factors such as diabetes status, immune status and antibiotic and steroid use.This study aimed to characterise the bacterial microbiota of patients with and without clinical presentation of DS, in order to identify associations between the presence/absence of bacterial species, or the relative abundance of the species, with disease (incidence and/or severity).