Ozonized Gel Against Four Candida Species: A Pilot Study and Clinical Perspectives.

Vincenzina Monzillo,Andrea Scribante,Francesco Rocco Bertuccio,Marco Colombo,Carla Renata Arciola,Alba Russo,Claudio Poggio,Fabiola Lallitto

doi:10.3390/ma13071731

Abstract

Ozone therapy can display a wide range of clinical beneficial effects, including antimicrobial, immune-stimulant, analgesic, anti-hypoxic actions. However, there is still a paucity of data regarding the ozone fungicide activity. Oral Candida is the most common fungal infection in the mouth among denture wearers and people with weakened immune systems. In the case of generalized candidiasis or immunocompromised patients, systemic therapy is needed, while localized infections are treated with topic medications. However, many Candida strains are resistant to antifungal drugs. The aim of this preliminary analysis is to evaluate the antimycotic efficacy of a new ozonided oil (GeliO3), as a possible terapeutic alternative in local treatments of these infections, compared to chlorhexidine digluconate (Plak gel®). Chlorhexidine is a chemical synthesis disinfectant with a broad-spectrum antiseptic action, active against bacteria and fungi. Antimycotic activity was tested against the following four Candida species: C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, through an agar diffusion method. No significant differences were found between the growth inhibition zone diameters of the ozonized gel and chlorhexidine. The results indicated that the ozonized gel may help to combat Candida infections. Moreover, useful applications could be used to counteract Candida colonization of endosseous implants.

Highlights

Candidiasis is one of the most common human opportunistic fungal infections, caused by a genus of yeasts called Candida [1]
The expression of Candida virulence in the oral cavity is strongly correlated with some predisposing factors, such as the use of dentures, hypo-salivation, prolonged therapy with antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs, local trauma, malnutrition, endocrine disorders, and people’s increased longevity, all elements that determine an impairment of the immune system [5]
A total of 12 Candida strains, belonging to the four species most implicated in human infection [32], were tested in this study: C. albicans (n = 3), C. parapsilosis (n = 3), C. glabrata (n = 3), C. tropicalis (n = 3)

Summary

Introduction

Candidiasis is one of the most common human opportunistic fungal infections, caused by a genus of yeasts called Candida [1]. The expression of Candida virulence in the oral cavity is strongly correlated with some predisposing factors, such as the use of dentures, hypo-salivation, prolonged therapy with antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs, local trauma, malnutrition, endocrine disorders, and people’s increased longevity, all elements that determine an impairment of the immune system [5]. Echinocandins represent an adequate alternative solution while, for localized oral infections, chlorhexidine is often prescribed by dentists as an antiseptic mouthwash and a denture disinfectant despite its cytotoxicity [8,9]. Previous studies demonstrated an in vitro antibacterial activity for ozonized vegetable oils against microorganisms [10,11].

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