Candida Albicans Colonization Research Articles

Oral colonization of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans in children with or without fixed orthodontic appliances: A pilot study

Background/purposeAdolescents undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy have an increased risk of oral diseases due to additional plaque accumulation sites. However, the effect of fixed orthodontics appliances (FOAs) on the colonization of Candida albicans (Ca) and Streptococcus mutans (Sm), two synergistic oral pathogens, is largely unknown and was, therefore, the primary objective of this pilot investigation. Material and methodsSixteen children aged 10–15 years were enrolled, nine in the FOA and seven in the control groups. Saliva and occlusal plaque were collected, and the Ca and Sm levels were quantified with a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. ResultsA trend of higher Ca levels was observed in the saliva and occlusal plaque of the FOA group, while the control group contained higher levels of Sm. Furthermore, for Sm levels, a positive correlation between saliva and occlusal plaque was shown in both the FOA and control groups; in contrast, Ca levels were negatively correlated between these samples only in the FOA group. Between Ca and Sm, a positive correlation was observed in saliva and occlusal plaque in the control group; however, this relationship was disrupted in the FOA group. ConclusionOur preliminary study demonstrated that the presence of FOAs disturbs the colonization of Ca and Sm within the oral cavity. This perturbation might increase orthodontic patients’ risk for Ca- and Sm-related diseases.

Improvement of PMMA Dental Matrix Performance by Addition of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and Clay Nanotubes.

Over the last decades, several materials have been proposed for the fabrication of dental and mandibular prosthetic implants. Today, the poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) resin is the most spread material, due to its ease of processing, low cost, aesthetic properties, low weight, biocompatibility, and biostability in the oral cavity. However, the porous surface (which favors the adhesion of microorganisms) and the weak mechanical properties (which lead to wear or fracture) are the major concerns. The inclusion of engineered nanomaterials in the acrylic matrix could improve the performances of PMMA. In this study, we added two different kind of nanomaterials, namely titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) and halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) at two concentrations (1% and 3% w/w) in PMMA. Then, we assessed the effect of nanomaterials inclusion by the evaluation of specific physical parameters: Young’s modulus, roughness, and wettability. In addition, we investigated the potential beneficial effects regarding the Candida albicans (C. albicans) colonization reduction, the most common yeast responsible of several infections in oral cavity. Our experimental results showed an improvement of PMMA performance, following the addition of TiO2NPs and HNTs, in a dose dependent manner. In particular, the presence of TiO2NPs in the methacrylate matrix induced a greater increase in PMMA stiffness respect to HNTs addition. On the other hand, HNTs reduced the rate of C. albicans colonization more significantly than TiO2NPs. The results obtained are of great interest for the improvement of PMMA physico-chemical properties, in view of its possible application in clinical dentistry.

Effect of Diode Laser on the Candida Albicans Colonization in Complete Denture Wearers

This study aimed to investigate the effect of diode laser on Candida albicans colonization in complete denture patients. A total of 40 complete maxillary dentures wearers were studied in this cross-sectional study. Dentures were then randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, as the control group, no intervention was made. In the second group, the mucosal surface of dentures was exposed to laser irradiation by the diode laser with a wavelength of 940 nm with 100 mW for 30 seconds before delivery. Samples were collected from the mucosal surface of the upper dentures on the determined days. All collected colonies were counted. Clinical outcome was evaluated regarding the colonization of Candida albicans reported by CFU. The difference in colony counts results between the two groups was evaluated by the Mann-Whitney test. Statistical significance was assumed if p<0.05. The results showed that laser irradiation was significantly effective in reducing Candida colonization. The lower density of the colonies was seen in the laser group compared to the control group on the 15th and 60th days after denture delivery (P = 0.002) and (P = 0.003), respectively. Generalization our data into the clinical setting, it can be proposed that a direct laser-based approach can significantly reduce the colonization of Candida albicans. It can also be concluded that laser light at specific wavelengths could be a promising novel strategy for preventing denture stomatitis.

Mechanism of Sanhuang Decoction in alleviating dextran sulfate sodium induced ulcerative colitis in mice with Candida albicans colonization:based on high-throughput transcriptome sequencing

This study explored the mechanism of Sanhuang Decoction(SHD) in treating dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC) in mice with Candida albicans(Ca) colonization via high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. Specifically, the animal model was established by oral administration of 3.0% DSS for 7 days followed by intragastrical administration of Ca suspension at 1.0 × 10~8 cells for 4 days and then the mice were treated with SHD enema for 7 days. Afterwards, the general signs were observed and the disease activity index(DAI) was recorded every day. After mice were sacrificed, colon length and colon mucosa damage index(CMDI) were determined and the histomorphology was observed with the HE staining method. The fungal loads of feces were detected with the plate method. Anti-saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody(ASCA) and β-1,3-glucan in serum, and TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum and colon were detected by ELISA. High-throughput RNA sequencing method was adopted to identify transcriptome of colon tissues from the control, model and SHD(15.0 g·kg~(-1)) groups. Differentially expressed genes(DEGs) among groups were screened and the GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the DEGs was performed. The expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β genes related to the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway which involved 9 DEGs, were examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The results demonstrated that SHD improved the general signs, decreased DAI and Ca loads of feaces, alleviated colon edema, erosion, and shortening, and lowered the content of β-1,3-glucan in serum and TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum and colon tissues of mice. Transcriptome sequencing revealed 383 DEGs between SHD and model groups, which were mainly involved in the biological processes of immune system, response to bacterium, and innate immune response. They were mainly enriched in the NOD-like signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine interaction pathway, and retinol metabolism pathway. Moreover, SHD down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β. In a word, SHD ameliorates DSS-induced UC in mice colonized with Ca, which probably relates to its regulation of NOD-like receptor signaling pathway.

Candida albicans colonization of the gastrointestinal tract: A double-edged sword

Candida albicans colonization of the gastrointestinal tract: A double-edged sword

Statherin-derived peptides as antifungal strategy against Candida albicans

ObjectiveThe aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of statherin and its naturally occurring peptides (DR9-2, DR9, GE-12, IT-32, GQ-19, IP-18) on Candida albicans metabolism and biofilm development. DesignAfter the killing assay, a peptide pellicle was formed on the bottom of a polystyrene plate at the IC50 of each peptide. Over the peptide pellicle, Candida albicans biofilm (48 h) was grown. The peptides antimicrobial activity after the peptides treatment was evaluated by alamarBlue, total biofilm biomass and colony forming units (CFU) counting. ResultsThe pellicle with statherin and the peptides (DR9-2, DR9, GE-12, IP-18, GQ-19) was able to reduce he viability of Candida albicans compared to the negative control. They also decreased cell proliferation by 20 % and total biomass. IT-32 showed the highest reduction in cell proliferation and biomass, which was similar to the positive control, histatin 5. ConclusionsThese results suggest that the naturally occuring peptides from statherin are able to decrease Candida albicans colonization and biofilm proliferation.

Biological and chemophysical features of specially designed microwave-cured acrylic denture resin

Background/aim Assortment of denture-based materials and their various curing methods have a great impact on their physical and biological properties. However, esthetics is the most significant parameter in prosthodontics, which is highly deteriorated by water sorption, solubility, and porosity. Moreover, porosity has a great effect on both bacterial and fungus colonization on its surface. This study aimed to assess and compare some physical and biological properties of both heat-cured and microwave-cured acrylic denture-based resins.Patients and methods This study was divided into two parts, in vitro and in vivo parts. The heat-cured and microwave-cured acrylic resin materials were used. Both were utilized for specimens’ fabrication in different dimensions according to ADA specifications to assess their physical and biological criteria. Stereo light microscope aided in determining porosity, while both water sorption and solubility were calibrated by employing an electronic-balance device, besides a specific formula for every test individually. In addition, complete dentures were fabricated for 12 edentulous patients from both materials (n=6). Candida albicans colonization was assessed by employing both chromogenic candida agar and laboratory-incubator device.Results The microwave-cured acrylic denture resin exhibited the lower significant mean value than the conventional heat-cured one in water sorption, corrected water sorption and porosity tests as P value more than or equal to 0.05. Furthermore, it had a significant lower mean value in C. albicans colonization during all visits as P value less than 0.05.Conclusion The microwave-cured acrylic resin proved to be better as compared with conventional heat-cured denture resin a regarding porosity, water sorption, and solubility, and it had the least affinity to C. albicans colonization.

Metabolic modeling predicts specific gut bacteria as key determinants for Candida albicans colonization levels

Candida albicans is a leading cause of life-threatening hospital-acquired infections and can lead to Candidemia with sepsis-like symptoms and high mortality rates. We reconstructed a genome-scale C. albicans metabolic model to investigate bacterial-fungal metabolic interactions in the gut as determinants of fungal abundance. We optimized the predictive capacity of our model using wild type and mutant C. albicans growth data and used it for in silico metabolic interaction predictions. Our analysis of more than 900 paired fungal–bacterial metabolic models predicted key gut bacterial species modulating C. albicans colonization levels. Among the studied microbes, Alistipes putredinis was predicted to negatively affect C. albicans levels. We confirmed these findings by metagenomic sequencing of stool samples from 24 human subjects and by fungal growth experiments in bacterial spent media. Furthermore, our pairwise simulations guided us to specific metabolites with promoting or inhibitory effect to the fungus when exposed in defined media under carbon and nitrogen limitation. Our study demonstrates that in silico metabolic prediction can lead to the identification of gut microbiome features that can significantly affect potentially harmful levels of C. albicans.

In Vivo Toxicological and Microbiological Activity of Marrubium vulgare L.on Candida albicans Isolated from Nosocomial Infections

Background: The objective of this study was to test the toxicology and microbiological of methanolic extract of Marrubium vulgare "MEMV" in rat and its efficiency in the treatment of systemic candidiasis. Methods: Forty (40) male rats (Wistar type) were divided into four groups (10 rats /group) where the toxicological, microbiological and histological studies were applied. Later, the infection with 107 cells /ml of Candida albicans and the curative treatment were applied by the daily administration with a gavage of 800 mg/kg of MEMV. Results: The toxicology studies indicated that the dose of MEMV at 800 mg/kg of body weight was not harmful. The microbiological and histological analysis showed that the treatment with MEMV of rat colonized with 107 cells/ml of Candida albicans limits the multiplication of the yeast in the intestine and colon of the colonized rat. The translocation of Candida albicans in liver, spleen and lungs in rat which was treated with 800 mg/kg of MEMV was significantly lower than in controls to seven post-infection days. However, we did not detect yeast in the kidneys and hearts of the infected treated groups and the infected untreated ones. Conclusion: Our results suggest that MEMV limits the gastrointestinal colonization and dissemination of Candida albicans in the other organs.

Efficacy of different formulations of nystatin in an experimental model of oral candidiasis in sialoadenectomized rats

Background/purposeOral candidiasis is the most common fungal infection of the oral cavity and has become a focus of attention in recent years because of its association with highly topical immunosuppressive conditions. The aims of this study were to determine the value of microbiological, clinical and histological parameters of Candida albicans colonisation of the dorsal tongue surface as indicators of disease severity, and to evaluate therapeutic response to different formulations of nystatin.Materials and methodsWe used 84 males, 2-month-old Sprague–Dawley sialoadenectomized rats. Different formulations of nystatin were used to evaluate the therapeutic response. The animals were randomized to 2 groups with each of 42 animals and received the experimental treatments from day 17–22.Results100% of the rats showed evidence of infection. At 5 and 10 days of starting treatment with nystatin + chitosan, and at 10 days of starting nystatin + orabase, the number of animals with positive dorsal tongue culture decreased significantly (p < 0.05), acting the Nystatin + chitosan more rapidly against Candida. In the control group, the percentage of normal papillae on day 22 and 27 was 83.33% (SD = 1.50) and 79.08% (SD = 2.30), respectively. Significant differences were observed in the mean O'Grady score at 5 and 10 days (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe model has been shown to be effective in inducing infection, and that the combination of nystatin and chitosan yielded the best therapeutic outcomes at both 5 and 10 days after infection.

Therapeutic effect of cinnamaldehyde on ulcerative colitis in mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium with Candida albicans colonization and its effect on dectin-1/TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway

To observe the efficacy of cinnamaldehyde on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC) with Can-dida albicans(Ca) colonization and its effect on dectin-1/TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway in mice. C57 BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group, DSS group, DSS+Ca group, cinnamaldehyde group and mesalazine group. Mice in DSS+Ca group were given Ca(1×10~8 CFU per mouse) through intragastrical administration for 4 consecutive days and then distilled water with 3.0% DSS for 7 consecutive days. In cinnamaldehyde group and mesalazine group, in addition to the induction method of the DSS+Ca group, mice were given 75 mg·kg~(-1) cinnamaldehyde and 200 mg·kg~(-1) mesalazine accompanied with 3.0% DSS for 7 consecutive days, respectively. Mice in normal group and DSS group were correspondingly administered with distilled water. The general conditions of the mice were observed daily, the diseased activity index(DAI) score was calculated, and fungal loads of feces were detected by plate method. The mice were sacrificed on day 12, colon length was measured, colon mucosa damage index(CMDI) score was calculated, and histopathological analysis was carried out by HE staining. Anti-saccharomces cerevisiae antibody(ASCA) and β-1,3-glucan in serum, and TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 in serum and colon tissue were detected by ELISA. The contents of β-1,3-glucan and macrophage infiltration in colon tissues were examined by immunofluorescence staining. The protein expressions of dectin-1, TLR2, TLR4 and NF-κB were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining. The results showed that cinnamaldehyde could significantly improve the general conditions of UC mice with Ca colonization, decrease DAI and histopathological scores, reduce intestinal mucosal congestion, erosion and colon shortening, decrease Ca load in mouse feces and tissues, down-regulate the contents of ASCA and β-1,3-glucan in serum, reduce the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and increase IL-10 in serum and colon tissues, inhibit macrophages infiltration and down-regulate the protein expression of dectin-1, TLR2, TLR4 and NF-κB in colon tissue. These results suggested that cinnamaldehyde had a therapeutic effect on UC mice with Ca colonization, which might be related to the inhibition of Ca proliferation, the regulation of dectin-1/TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathways and the coordination of the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors.

The Effect of Residual Food Stain on Candida Albicans Colonisation of Denture Acrylics

Objectives: In the UK, 19% of adults wear dentures. Failure to keep a denture clean can lead to staining from foods, along with subsequent colonisation of the denture and associated mucosa by microorganisms, particularly Candida albicans. This colonisation can potentially lead to chronic erythematous candidosis and other oral infections. This study investigated the association between staining of denture acrylics by different food types and subsequent C. albicans colonisation. Materials and Methods: Chemically polymerised acrylic specimens were produced and stained for 14 days with six different combinations of food stains. The level of acrylic staining was determined spectrophotometrically. Specimens were then incubated in Sabouraud-dextrose broth (SAB) or SAB inoculated with Candida albicans. Confocal laser scanning microscopy coupled with propidium iodide staining of C. albicans was used to determine the extent of C. albicans colonisation to these acrylics. Results analysed descriptively and by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), one sample student t-test, and Dunnett’s test. Results: Acrylics in Group 4 (stained with spices, tomato puree, acai berry juice and sunflower oil) exhibited highest staining but had low C. albicans colonisation. Highest C. albicans colonisation occurred with Group 5 (sunflower oil) stained acrylics. The unstained control acrylic group had lowest colonisation. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that staining acrylics with certain foods promoted C. albicans colonisation, but this was not associated with level of visual staining. Further research is required to determine the precise mechanism(s) by which residual food stains promote candidal colonisation on denture acrylics. This knowledge may then be used by dental professionals to advise patients on improving denture hygiene to improve not only denture aesthetics but also minimise Candida biofilms.

ORAL CANDIDA ALBICANS COLONIZATION RATE IN FIXED ORTHODONTICS PATIENTS

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the oral Candida albicans colonization ( OCAC) in a cluster of teenagers and young adults while being treated with a fixed orthodontic appliance (FOA).&#x0D; Subjects and methods: The investigational group was selected from orthodontic patients whom were examined clinically as soon as to get baseline information before active treatment. The cluster included 210 patients; 45 males, 165 females (mean age 21.6 ± 4.5 years). Clinical, demographic data and risk factors were collected in standard questionnaire then each individual was directed to carry out oral wash by a phosphate-buffered saline solution, which was expectorated and processed intended for the isolation of Candida species on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar. The isolated Candida species were identifying by culturing on chromogenic Candida agar and notice species-specific colony natures.&#x0D; Results: The predominant Candida species isolated was C. albicans with OCAC rate equal to 13.8% extensively enhanced after the insertion of a FOA, as revealed by the oral rinse (P &lt; 0.05) techniques. The results also revealed an increase of OCAC in male patients (24.4%) than female patients (10.9%), 21-25 years patients (17.1%), and regular smoking and Qat chewing were significant associated risk factors (OR=28.6, OR=10.7 respectively , P &lt; 0.0001). There was no significant association between C. albicans colonization with oral hygiene in fixed Orthodontic patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: As a whole, the current data suggest that the introduction of FOA is likely to promote OCAC. Moreover, it becomes visible that the routine oral hygiene procedures performed by these patients may not necessarily reduce OCAC while smoking and chewing Qat habits significantly increased OCAC in FOA. Also smoking and Qat chewing during FOA treatment should be banned if potential harmful effects are to be prevented. Further work with a larger sample size is required to confirm or deny these results.&#x0D; Peer Review History: &#x0D; Received 27 March 2019; Revised 20 April; Accepted 8 May, Available online 15 May 2020&#x0D; UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency.&#x0D; Received file &#x0D; &#x0D; Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.5/10&#x0D; Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10&#x0D; Reviewer(s) detail:&#x0D; Name: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike&#x0D; Affiliation: University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria&#x0D; E-mail: amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com&#x0D; &#x0D; Name: Dr. Tamer Mohamed Ali El Habibi&#x0D; Affiliation: Suez Canal University, Egypt&#x0D; E-mail: tamer_hassan@pharm.suez.edu.eg&#x0D; &#x0D; Comments of reviewer(s): &#x0D; &#x0D; Similar Articles:&#x0D; ORAL C. ALBICANS COLONIZATION AND NON-CANDIDA ALBICANS CANDIDA COLONIZATION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, YEMEN&#x0D; PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF ORAL NON-CANDIDA ALBICANS CANDIDA CARRIAGE IN DENTURE WEARERS IN SANA'A CITY- YEMEN&#x0D;

Frequency of oligosymptomatic gastrointestinal tract diseases and its relation to insulin-like growth factor I in idiopathic (non-GH-deficient) short stature children.

IntroductionThere is a discussion about growth hormone therapy in idiopathic short stature (ISS) children. To diagnose ISS, it is necessary to exclude other diseases; gastrointestinal tract diseases (GIDs) are among them. However, GID symptoms may be scarce. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of unexpected oligosymptomatic GIDs in ISS and assess their influence on auxological parameters and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentration.Material and methodsThe analysis included 101 children with ISS and 95 controls. All patients were tested for celiac disease (CD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), lactose malabsorption (LM), cystic fibrosis (CF), Helicobacter pylori (HP) and Ascaris sp. (Asc) infections, as well as Candida albicans (Calb) colonization, by applying simple blood and stool tests and gastrofiberoscopy.ResultsIn 75.2% of short children, one or more than one GIDs listed above were diagnosed, with the highest frequency of: Calb (46.5%), LM (33.7%), HP (24.7%) and/or Asc (21.8%). The incidence of GIDs was significantly higher than in the control group. The GID frequency increases with the age of children. In most ISS children, the IGF-I SDS was below –1.0 and it was the lowest in children with HP (p < 0.05).ConclusionsHigh frequency of unexpected oligosymptomatic GIDs in children diagnosed with ISS indicates the need to search for gastrointestinal (GI) causes in each case of short stature in children. The pathomechanisms responsible for short stature in these cases may vary, although it seems that reduced production of IGF-I plays an important role.

Commensal bacteria prevent pathogenic bacterial infection by inducing of activation of host immune system

Countless numbers of bacteria inhabit the intestinal tract. One of the important functions of gut microbiota is the "colonization resistance" against infection by pathogenic microorganisms. However, detailed mechanism of the colonization resistance of intestinal bacteria is still largely unknown. We tried to identify molecular and cellular mechanism of it and found that antigen presentation by dendritic cells is required for the induction of intestinal segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB)-induced T helper 17 (Th17) cells that contribute to the protection against infection by Citrobacter rodentium. We further identified that gut Th17 cells selectively recognize antigens derived from SFB. We also revealed that SFB induce α1,2-fucose, one of carbohydrate chains, expressed on the intestinal epithelial cells mediated by group 3 innate lymphoid cells. Epithelial α1,2-fucose protected against infection by pathogenic bacterium Salmonella typhimurium. Furthermore, it was found that intestinal bacteria inhibit colonization of the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans as well as pathogenic bacteria. From these studies, detailed mechanism of "colonization resistance" against pathogenic microorganisms by intestinal bacteria has been clarified.

Colonization of Acinetobacter baumannii, Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) and Candida albicans in preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) compared to normal labor at term

Colonization of Acinetobacter baumannii, Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) and Candida albicans in preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) compared to normal labor at term

Antibiotic-induced gut metabolome and microbiome alterations increase the susceptibility to Candida albicans colonization in the gastrointestinal tract.

ABSTRACTAntibiotic-induced alterations in the gut ecosystem increases the susceptibility to Candida albicans, yet the mechanisms involved remains poorly understood. Here we show that mice treated with the broad-spectrum antibiotic cefoperazone promoted the growth, morphogenesis and gastrointestinal (GI) colonization of C. albicans. Using metabolomics, we revealed that the cecal metabolic environment of the mice treated with cefoperazone showed a significant alteration in intestinal metabolites. Levels of carbohydrates, sugar alcohols and primary bile acids increased, whereas carboxylic acids and secondary bile acids decreased in antibiotic treated mice susceptible to C. albicans. Furthermore, using in-vitro assays, we confirmed that carbohydrates, sugar alcohols and primary bile acids promote, whereas carboxylic acids and secondary bile acids inhibit the growth and morphogenesis of C. albicans. In addition, in this study we report changes in the levels of gut metabolites correlated with shifts in the gut microbiota. Taken together, our in-vivo and in-vitro results indicate that cefoperazone-induced metabolome and microbiome alterations favor the growth and morphogenesis of C. albicans, and potentially play an important role in the GI colonization of C. albicans.

TOXICITY TEST OF GARLIC EXTRACT ON VERO CELLS IN VITRO

Background: Denture stomatitis is an inflammation that occurs in the mucosa covered by dentures that is often attributed to increased colonization of the yeast Candida albicans that predisposes bacterial infections. Denture Stomatitis can occur due to the lack of awareness in maintaining denture hygiene. One alternative natural ingredient to serve as denture cleanser is garlic extract. Several studies have shown that garlic extract, contains flavonoids, essential oils, tannins and, mostly, allicin, exerts antibacterial and antifungal properties. Purpose: To investigate whether garlic extract (Allium Sativum L) is toxic to Vero cells using the MTT assay method. Method: This study was a purely experimental study, conducted using posttest-only with control group design. The samples were divided into 8 groups, consisted of several concentrations of garlic extract, including 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%, and 2 control groups, including control media and cell control. The absorbance was read using ELISA reader and the cell viability was calculated. Result: The value of Inhibitory Concentration (IC 50 ) of garlic extract on Vero cells was obtained from the spss probit test that resulted in a value of 18613.782 µg/mL. Conclusion: Garlic extract does not have a toxic effect on Vero cells as indicated by the IC 50 value of >1000 μg/mL.

The Effectiveness of Nigella Sativa Alcoholic Extract on the Inhibition of Candida Albicans Colonization and Formation of Plaque on Acrylic Denture Plates: an In Vitro Study.

Statement of the Problem: Due to growing concerns on complications of chemical drugs, the use of herbal extracts has been considered as denture cleaning solutions. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-vitro effects of Nigella sativa on the cleansing of the formation of Candida albicans plaque on the acrylic resin pieces. Materials and Method: In this experimental study, 30 pieces of acrylic resin were contaminated by Candida albicans suspension. Then, the acrylic pieces were randomly divided into six groups and treated with 0.2, 0.4, 20, and 200 mg/ml of Nigella sativa, 100,000 units of nystatin (positive control), and distilled water (negative control) for 8 hours. At the end of the exposure period of the drugs, the rinse solution from acrylic pieces was cultured in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and the average of the colonies from each group was compared. Results: The average number of colonies obtained at concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, 20, and 200 mg/ml of Nigella sativa were 122.6, 117.8, 73.4, and 14.4 colonies, respectively, as compared to distilled water (141.6) and nystatin (0) that had a significant difference (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Nigella sativa extract at definite concentration is capable of clearing dental prosthesis, but compared to nystatin, it is weaker. However, due to the indirect immune-regulatory effects of Nigella sativa, it is suggested that other studies be conducted to investigate the therapeutic properties of Nigella sativa from the aspects of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and oral ulcer healing in candida oral lesions.

Antibiotic-induced decreases in the levels of microbial-derived short-chain fatty acids correlate with increased gastrointestinal colonization of Candida albicans

Candida albicans is the fourth most common cause of systemic nosocomial infections, posing a significant risk in immunocompromised individuals. As the majority of systemic C. albicans infections stem from endogenous gastrointestinal (GI) colonization, understanding the mechanisms associated with GI colonization is essential in the development of novel methods to prevent C. albicans-related mortality. In this study, we investigated the role of microbial-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) including acetate, butyrate, and propionate on growth, morphogenesis, and GI colonization of C. albicans. Our results indicate that cefoperazone-treated mice susceptible to C. albicans infection had significantly decreased levels of SCFAs in the cecal contents that correlate with a higher fungal load in the feces. Further, using in vivo concentration of SCFAs, we demonstrated that SCFAs inhibit the growth, germ tube, hyphae and biofilm development of C. albicans in vitro. Collectively, results from this study suggest that antibiotic-induced decreases in the levels of SCFAs in the cecum enhances the growth and GI colonization of C. albicans.