THE PREVALENCE OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS, ENTEROBACTERIACEAE SPECIES, AND CANDIDA SPECIES AND THEIR RELATION TO ORAL MUCOSAL LESIONS IN A GROUP OF 79-YEAR-OLDS IN GOTEBORG

A subject sample comprising 100 persons (17 men and 53 women) 79 years of age and selected on a statistical basis (representing ail persons of that age living in Goteborg) was the object of a general medical, c linical, and microbiologic study of the prevalence of microorganisms i n the oral cavity known to cause opportunistic infections. A high prev alence of diseases and Frequent medications were recorded among the pa rticipants. Staphylococcus aureus was present in five patients and Ent erobacteriaceae species in only one individual. Candida albicans was n ot found in any samples from the palatal mucosa of the 25 individuals without dentures. Of 36 healthy denture wearers C. albicans was found in 9 (25%). In 39 persons with denture stomatitis C. albicans was obta ined in 11 (28%) of the samples from the mucosa, 29 (71%) from the den tures, and 10 (26%) from the angulus oris. The prevalence of S. aureus , enteric rods, and C. albicans was low in the elderly population and, when present, correlated with the presence of dentures. No associatio n with the patients' general health or drug use was obtained.