Comparison of Secretory IgA and IgG Isotype Levels in Palatal Secretions of Denture Stomatitis Patients with Denture Wearers having Clinically Healthy Palates.

Abstract - Denture stomatitis is an inflammatory condition affecting palatal mucosa covered by a denture. Aetiology is multifactorial involving poor hygiene, constant denture wearing, trauma and colonisation by Candida species. In inflamed tissues raised levels of albumin, IgG isotypes and secretory IgA (sIgA) would be expected. SIgA is a major component of the protective immunological response to mucosal infection. Palatal secretions of 21 patients with denture stomatitis and 22 denture wearing patients with clinically healthy palates were analysed for albumin, IgG isotypes and sIgA levels. Albumin and IgG isotype levels were found to be higher in denture stomatitis patients compared with healthy palate patients. Unexpectedly, SIgA levels were found to be significantly (p<0.05) lower in denture stomatitis patients compared with healthy palate patients.

KEY WORDS: denture stomatitis, sIgA, IgG isotypes