RESUMO
This investigation was designed to evaluate the frequency of erythematous candidosis (EC) and Candida species, proteinase and phospholipase exoenzyme production, and to compare clinical features in patients with complete dentures and HIV+/Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease Syndrome (AIDS). Fifty-one patients were selected from a total of 285 with EC: denture wearers (n = 30) and HIV+/AIDS (n = 21). The yeast prevalence and the production of exoenzymes, such as proteinase and phospholipase by Candida species were evaluated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) electrophoresis. The frequency of Candida albicans was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in both groups although other yeast species (Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida guilliermondi and Candida tropicalis) were also found. Candida albicans showed greater levels of proteinase production in the denture wearers, when compared with the HIV+/AIDS group. There was no difference between groups with regard to phospholipase production. The protein bands presented similar molecular weights, showing the presence of proteinases in both groups. It could be concluded that the clinical manifestation of EC may be related to its proteinase production capacity. Combination therapies using proteinase inhibitors play an important role in inhibiting exoenzyme production by Candida species, mainly C. albicans.