Clinical, microbiological and ultrastructural features of angular cheilitis lesions in Southern Chinese.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain baseline data on angular cheilitis in Southern Chinese.


METHODS
A cross-sectional investigation of the clinical, microbiological and ultrastructural features of the condition.


METHODS
Thirty six Chinese adults with angular cheilitis; 28 controls matched for age and sex, with no inflammation. Clinical examination, swabs of lesions for microbiology, impressions of lesions for ultrastructure, using replica technique.


METHODS
Severity of lesions, associated signs and symptoms, incidence and type of microorganisms, ultrastructural features.


RESULTS
Of a total 68 lesions 32 were bilateral and four unilateral. Forty four (65%) were mild (Type I) and the remaining 24 (35%) moderate (Type II). Infective agents were isolated from 37 (54%) lesions; pure growth of Candida spp and Staph. aureus was noted in nine lesions each; a mixed growth of the two in II, beta-haemolytic streptococci in three and a mixed flora including coliforms in the other five. Candida spp were present in one control, beta-haemolytic streptococci in two and coliforms in four others. Scanning electron microscopy revealed natural topography of the angular skin with sparse colonisation by bacteria and yeasts.


CONCLUSIONS
Angular cheilitis in Southern Chinese seems to be characterised by a milder clinical presentation and classic infective agents of the disease: Candida spp and Staph. aureus.
Dias
A P
AP
Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, University of Hong Kong.
Samaranayake
L P
LP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002175:Candida / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002613:Cheilitis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002681:China; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D016533:Mycological Typing Techniques; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification