Oral microbiota in active and passive states of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: An analysis of case-control studies

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study was presented to reveal the most distinct microbial prevalence in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) lesions compared to healthy controls. DesignThe case-control studies were selected in electronic databases until Nov 2022 with key search terms, and the eligible publications were screened and analyzed by independent authors. ResultsA total of 14 studies were identified, which included 531 cases of active states of RAS (AS-RAS), 92 cases of passive states of RAS (PS-RAS) and 372 healthy controls. The most sample pattern was the mucosa swab performed in 8 of 14 studies, biopsies in 3 studies, followed by micro-brush, and saliva. A variety of bacteria in higher or lower abundance were observed in RAS lesions. ConclusionsThe etiopathogenesis of RAS may not be ascribed to a single pathogen. A possible explanation is that microbial interactions modify immune response or destroy the epithelial integrity, thus contributing to the development of the condition.