Molecular characterization of Candida in the oral cavity and factors involved in biofilm formation and virulence

The research described in this thesis addresses current issues related to oral Candida infections. Interactions of Candida with the oral microbiome were characterized and factors involved in biofilm formation and virulence were studied.
All in all, the work described in this thesis contributes towards gaining a better understanding of oral Candida infections. Insights in Candida interactions with the oral microbiome were generated. High Candida load coincides with acidification of the environment, and this is probably the ecological factor that shifts the oral resident microbiome towards a microbiome with increased aciduric bacteria and, consequently, with a lower level of diversity. The question remains whether a high Candida load is a result of acidification of the oral environment by, for instance, high carbohydrate intake, or, originates from factors such as dry mouth, antibiotic- and or immunosuppression therapies in an aging- or immunocompromised population. Furthermore, new Candida glabrata adhesin-like wall proteins are discovered; proteins that are involved in attachment to human tissues and/or medical implants and can play a role in biofilm formation. The proteins seem to play an important role in the process of infection and could therefore be potential new targets for anti-adhesive antifungal drug development.