Growth patterns of Candida albicans in relation to radicular dentin

Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen isolated from the oral cavity. The role of this organism as an endodontic pathogen is poorly understood. Objectives. The aim of this study was to observe the interaction of C. albicans with root canal walls and the growth patterns of this microorganism in relation to radicular dentin. Study design. Fifteen root sections were infected with C. albicans grown in calf serum and incubated for various periods. The sections were fixed in glutaraldehyde, split into two halves, and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Results, Blastospores and hyphal structures were observed on the root canal walls of all specimens. Filamentous hyphal form was dominant in 5-day specimens. Most of the hyphae and blastospores showed penetration into dentinal tubules. The body of germinating mother cells and hyphae demonstrated collapsed cell walls as a result of vacuole formation. Conclusions. With this invasive affinity to dentinal structures, C. albicans may be considered a dentinophilic microorganism.