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Published on: July 1, 2020
Is age a risk factor for Candida glabrata colonisation?
Anurag N Malani1, Georgios Psarros, Preeti N Malani
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System and University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
Candida glabrata oral colonization increases with age and is linked to dentures and facility stays. Community living offers protection against this yeast, particularly in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candida glabrata infections are increasingly prevalent in older adults.
- Understanding oral colonization patterns is crucial for managing Candida infections.
- Risk factors for C. glabrata colonization require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine oral colonization rates of Candida glabrata.
- To investigate the relationship between C. glabrata colonization and age, comorbidities, and facility residence.
- To identify factors associated with C. glabrata colonization in diverse populations.
Main Methods:
- Oral samples collected from 408 subjects across community, hospital, and extended care facilities.
- Yeast colonization assessed at four oral sites and from dentures.
- Multivariate analysis employed to identify independent risk factors for C. glabrata colonization.
Main Results:
- Overall yeast colonization was 53.7%, with Candida albicans being predominant.
- Candida glabrata colonized 15.2% of subjects, exclusively those aged 40 and older.
- Increasing age, denture use, and psychotropic medication use were independently associated with C. glabrata colonization.
- Community residence was protective against C. glabrata colonization compared to hospital or extended care facility stays.
Conclusions:
- Candida glabrata oral colonization is multifactorial, influenced by age and healthcare facility residence.
- Denture use is strongly associated with both overall yeast and C. glabrata colonization.
- Findings highlight the need for further research into C. glabrata colonization and its link to infections in the elderly.
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