Effect of Periods of Preconditioning with Saliva on Candida Adhesion

Various periods of preconditioning with saliva have been used in studies that evaluate the role of the salivary pellicle on Candida adhesion to denture surfaces. Objectives: the aim of this study was to assess whether different periods of preconditioning with saliva would influence the adhesion of Candida albicans (ATCC 90028) to a denture base resin (VIPI WAVE). Methods: samples (n=90) with smooth surfaces were made and then divided into five groups: control - without preconditioning with saliva (0 min); experimental groups – conditioned with saliva for the periods of: 30 minutes (30 min); 1 hour (60 min); 3 hours (180 min); or 12 hours (720 min). All specimens were incubated in C. albicans suspensions (10⁷ cells/ml) for 90 min at 37 °C. C. albicans adhesion was evaluated by crystal violet staining and XTT assays. Results: the analysis of variance revealed that there was no significant difference among the logarithmic means of cell counts (0 min: 2.59; 30 min: 2.57; 60 min: 2.66; 180 min: 2.65; 720 min: 2.68) and the absorbance values (0 min: 0.20; 30 min: 0.31; 60 min: 0.35; 180 min: 0.32; 720 min: 0.33) for the evaluated groups. The XTT assay, however, revealed a trend towards an increase in cell metabolism for the experimental groups when compared with the control. No significant correlation was found between the two assays (r = 0.141). Conclusion: the different periods of preconditioning with saliva had no significant influence on the adherence of C. albicans to the acrylic resin evaluated. Fapesp: 08/05339-8.