Adherence of phenotypically switched Candida albicans to denture base materials

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate in vitro the levels of adhesion of phenotypically switched and nonswitched Candida albicans to the smooth and rough surfaces of heat-cured acrylic resin, Molloplast B, and Novus. Materials and Methods: Nonswitched and switched cells of C. albicans 3153A were prepared and adhesion assays were performed. Results: There was no difference in the level of adhesion of blastospores in their nonswitched or switched state. The adherence of hyphae to all three denture base materials was statistically significantly increased when in a switched form. There was greater adhesion to the two soft lining materials than to the acrylic resin. Conclusions: Rough surfaces promote adhesion. There was no significant difference in the adhesion of switched and nonswitchcd blastospores, but there was increased adhesion of hyphal cells.