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Candida albicans adherence in newborn infants
Summary
Candida albicans adherence to infant buccal cells differs by gestational age. Premature infants show higher adherence than full-term infants in the first five days of life, suggesting developmental factors influence this interaction.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neonatal Development
- Immunology
Background:
- Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- Buccal epithelial cell adherence is an initial step in Candida infections.
- Infant oral environments differ significantly based on gestational age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare Candida albicans adherence to buccal epithelial cells from premature and full-term infants.
- To investigate the impact of infant age on Candida adherence.
- To explore potential factors contributing to observed differences in adherence.
Main Methods:
- Collection of buccal epithelial cells from premature and full-term infants.
- In vitro incubation of cells with Candida albicans.
- Quantification of Candida adherence to epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans adherence was significantly lower in full-term infants compared to premature infants and school-age children during the first 5 days of life.
- Adherence in premature infants at birth was more than double that of term infants and remained stable during the first week.
- Adherence in full-term infants increased after 5 days of age.
Conclusions:
- Gestational age significantly influences Candida albicans adherence to buccal epithelial cells in newborns.
- Developmental, salivary, receptor site, or unknown factors may explain the differences in adherence between premature and term infants.
- Early-life adherence patterns may have implications for susceptibility to oral candidiasis in neonates.