Oral Carriage Research Articles

ORAL CANDIDA CARRIAGE INCLUDING SPECIATION, BIOFILM PRODUCTION AND CORRELATION WITH OCCURRENCE OF DENTAL CARIES IN STUDENT POPULATION

The study was done to establish oral carriage of Candida, speciation, assay biofilm production and correlate the oral Candida carriage with occurrence of dental caries in students. Swab samples from oral cavity were collected from 206 students and were cultured for yeasts. Isolated yeasts were identified and detected for Biofilm production. Results: Overall Candida carriage was found in 90 of the 206 students (75 with caries). The rate of Candida carriage in students with caries (64%) was significantly higher as compared to overall carriage in students (43.7%). A total of 123 Candida strains were isolated including C albicans (63%), C tropicalis (23 %), C. parapsilosis (6 %), C. glabrata (4 %) and C. krusei (4 %). Biofilm production by C albicans was less frequent (42. 85%) than that by non-C albicans (63.33 %). and was significantly higher in students with caries than from without caries. Conclusion: We found a significant risk of dental caries with oral Candida carriage rates in student population. Candida albicans was the most common species isolated. Biofilm production was implicated in Candida virulence and was more important for non- C.albicans than C.albicans strains to establish infections.

Oral candidal carriage correlates with CD4+ cell count but not with HIV and highly active antiretroviral therapy status.

The occurrence of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) may be influenced by oral candidal carriage (OCC). Although OPC is strongly associated with low CD4+ cell count (400-700cells/mm3 ) and a lack of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the effect of these two parameters on OCC is debatable. We investigated the oral candidal carriage, species diversity, antifungal susceptibility and the association of OCC with CD4+ cell count and HAART. Oral candidal isolates from 120 HIV+ patients (60 receiving and 60 not receiving HAART) and 60 healthy controls were quantified, and their species determined using standard culture and biochemical methods, followed by antifungal susceptibility testing using the agar dilution method. The OCC was significantly higher in HIV+ patients; Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species in both groups, followed by Candida tropicalis. Candidal density carriage correlated significantly with CD4+ cell count, but not with HIV and HAART status. Among the isolates from HIV+ patients, 35.4% showed reduced susceptibility to fluconazole. HIV status results in significantly elevated rates of OCC Calbicans remains the predominant pathogen, although other species are emerging rapidly. Resistance to fluconazole is on the rise, and more efficient treatment strategies need to be implemented.

High Prevalence of Anal and Oral High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Uninfected French Men Who Have Sex With Men and Use Preexposure Prophylaxis.

BackgroundWe assessed the prevalence and risk factors of anal and oral high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in human immunodeficiency virus–uninfected men who have sex with men (MSM) and take preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in France.MethodsAnal and oral samples were screened by multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (Anyplex II HPV 28; Seegene) for HPV DNA.ResultsA total of 61 unvaccinated MSM (mean age, 36.1 years) were enrolled. Anal HPV and HR-HPV prevalences were 93.4% and 81.9%, respectively, and oral HPV and HR-HPV prevalences, 33.9% and 19.6%, respectively. HR-HPV type 33 was the most detected genotype, in both anal and oral samples. Among MSM, 68.8% carried ≥1 anal HPV type targeted by the 9-valent Gardasil-9 vaccine; all oral HPV-positive samples carried ≥1 strain included in the vaccine. Condomless receptive anal intercourse and history of anal gonorrhea were the main factors associated with increased risk for anal HPV infection (adjusted odds ratio, 10.4) and anal infection with multiple HR-HPV genotypes (5.77), respectively. Conversely, having had <10 partners in the last 12 months was associated with decreased risk for anal carriage of both multiple HPV (adjusted odds ratio, 0.19) and HR-HPV (0.17) types.ConclusionFrench MSM using PrEP are at high risk for both anal and oral carriage of HR-HPV that could lead to HPV-related cancers.

Is there an association between prenatal oral healthcare and early childhood caries prevention?

Data sources Database searches included Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov.Study selection This review included studies that assessed the impact of pre-natal oral health care on early childhood caries experience and/or oral carriage of S. mutans. The review included case control studies, retrospective or prospective cohort studies, randomised or non-randomised controlled trials. In vitro studies, animal studies, literature reviews, cross sectional studies and literature reviews were excluded.Data extraction and synthesis Two calibrated and independent reviewers screened the literature using a data extraction form based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A PRISMA flow diagram is presented showing the process of reviewing the literature. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomised Trials and an adapted version of the Downs and Black score were used to assess the quality of the included studies. A qualitative synthesis of five included studies is presented. A Forest Plot then presents quantitative data from four of the studies. A meta analysis did not take place. A generalised linear mixed effects model was applied to results from four of the studies.Results Five studies were included in the qualitative syntheses, three of the studies were randomised controlled trials, one was a prospective cohort study and one was a nested case-control in a cohort study. Two of the studies were assessed as high quality with three assessed as moderate quality. Odds ratios of children experiencing early childhood caries are reported for four studies demonstrating a reduced risk of early childhood caries in intervention groups compared to controls. A generalised linear mixed effects model using combined results from the four studies shows a reduced risk of developing early childhood caries in children up to the age of three years old whose mothers receive pre natal oral care. Above age three years the results of the modelling become non-significant. Based on the results of two studies the authors report a reduction in levels of S. mutans in the oral cavity of children whose mother had prenatal oral care.Conclusions The authors conclude that prenatal oral healthcare has a positive effect on incidence of early childhood caries and S. mutans carriage in children.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and oral Candida colonization: Analysis of risk factors in a Sri Lankan cohort

Aims: Oral candidiasis is a major oral manifestation of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and a number of cofactors are associated with the pathogenesis of this infection. Here, we describe the prevalence of oral Candida in a Sri Lankan cohort of type 2 diabetes mellitus and risk factors that predispose them to this common fungal infection.Methods: A case–control study was conducted in 250 diabetics with type 2 diabetes and 81 nondiabetic controls. Clinical and demographic data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire, and patient records. Oral rinse samples were collected to determine the candidal carriage, and the resultant yeast growth was quantified and speciated using multiplex-PCR and phenotypic analyses. Chi-square test (χ2 test) and Fisher exact test were used for the determination of the significant relationships between risk factors and oral candidiasis.Results: The oral prevalence of Candida species among both groups was similar (81%) although a significantly higher proportion of diabetics (32.8%) yielded >2000 CFU/mL of yeasts compared with only 12.3% of the healthy controls (p < .05). Significant associations were noted between oral candidal carriage amongst diabetics, and (i) denture wearing, (ii) female gender and (iii) cigarette smoking (all, p < .05). Amongst both groups, C.albicans was the most common Candida species isolated followed by C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata.Conclusions: The oral infestation of Candida in our Sri Lankan cohort of diabetics is significantly higher than their healthy counterparts, and co-carriage of multiple yeast species is a common finding in the study population. As there are no previous such reports of the latter phenomenon particularly from the Asian region it is noteworthy, mainly in view of the recent data on the emergence of drug-resistant yeast species the world over.

Oral Candidal carriage and associated risk indicators among adults in Sakaka, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundCandida is a ubiquitous organism in nature which inhabits the oral cavity as part of the normal microbial flora. The oral carriage of Candida is perpetuated by several predisposing factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the carriage rate of Candida among 104 voluntary adults at the college of medicine - Jouf University. The concentrated oral rinse technique using Sabouraud Dextrose agar medium supplemented with 0.05% Chloramphenicol was used to isolate Candida. The relative factors affecting the colonization of Candida and the concentration of each type were also determined.ResultsCandida species were isolated from the oral cavity of 45 (43.4%) subjects. Of these 55.6% were identifies as C. albicans as determined by the Vitek 2 compact system. Other Candida species were represented by C. glabrata (11.1%), C. krusei (11.1%), C. dubliniensis (8.9%), C. parapsilosis (6.7%), C. tropicalis (4.4%), and C. famata (2.2%). Subjects with very poor plaque status, severe gingivitis and diabetes had significantly (P = 0.001) high concentration of Candida spp.ConclusionPlague, severe gingivitis, and diabetes were found to be significantly associated with higher Candida colonization.

Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus and Staphylococcus aureus Coinfection in Oral Cavities of HIV-Positive Patients: A Unique Niche for Oncogenic Virus Lytic Reactivation.

Collectively, viruses are the principal cause of cancers arising in patients with immune dysfunction, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. Kaposi sarcoma (KS) etiologically linked to Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) continues to be the most common AIDS-associated tumor. The involvement of the oral cavity represents one of the most common clinical manifestations of this tumor. HIV infection incurs an increased risk among individuals with periodontal diseases and oral carriage of a variety of pathogenic bacteria. However, whether interactions involving periodontal bacteria and oncogenic viruses in the local environment facilitate replication or maintenance of these viruses in the oral cavity of HIV-positive patients remain largely unknown. We previously showed that pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) from specific periodontal bacteria promoted KSHV entry into oral cells and subsequent establishment of latency. In the current study, we demonstrate that Staphylococcus aureus, one of common pathogens causing infection in HIV-positive patients, and its PAMPs can effectively induce KSHV lytic reactivation from infected oral cells, through the Toll-like receptor reactive oxygen species and cyclin D1-Dicer-viral microRNA axis. This investigation provides further clinical evidence about the relevance of coinfection due to these 2 pathogens in the oral cavities of a cohort HIV-positive patients and reveals novel mechanisms through which these coinfecting pathogens potentially promote virus-associated cancer development in the unique niche of immunocompromised patients.

Detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii by quantitative real-time PCR in oral rinses from Pneumocystis pneumonia asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus patients

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a potentially life-threatening fungal infection usually seen in immunocompromised patients. Pneumocystis jirovecii can be easily detected from oral rinse samples in HIV patients with suspected PCP. In this study, a quantitative real-time PCR assay was used to establish the frequency of detection of P. jirovecii in oral rinses from HIV patients without respiratory symptoms or suspicion of PCP. Two saline oral rinses were collected from 100 ambulant HIV patients and from 60 COPD patients (comparator group). Four HIV patients were positive for P. jirovecii. In three patients, the first sample was positive and in one the second one was positive. One of these patients was on PCP prophylaxis and had a CD4+ count of 76 cells/mm3. The mean CD4+ count for all patients was 527 cells/mm3. All qRT-PCR test results for the COPD patients were negative. No patient developed PCP at six months follow-up. The qRT-PCR assay can be used to detect P. jirovecii DNA in oral rinse samples from HIV patients without evident clinical symptoms, however the oral carriage of this fungus was rare in our cohort of patients. In conclusion, although rare, a positive oral rinse P. jirovecii result may reflect colonisation, in particular in patients with HIV. This needs to be kept in mind when using oral rinses and qRT-PCR in the diagnosis of P. jirovecii infection.

Oral Candidal Carriage Among Patients with Oral Potential Malignant Disorders: A Case-Control Study

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Candida species in the saliva of patients with clinically suspected oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and healthy cohorts. Material and Methods: Unstimulated saliva was collected from patients with OPMD (n=100) and age and sex matched healthy subjects (n=170). The samples were inoculated onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and incubated for a week. The colonies of the isolates were enumerated using a colony counter. The isolates were identified using standard phenotypic methods. The significance of oral candidal carriage was calculated using Independent T test. Odds and Risk ratio was calculated using Pearson’s Chi-square test. Results: Oral candida carriage was present in 51% of patients with OPMD while healthy cohorts had a prevalence of 20.6%. A good statistical significance was observed for the prevalence of oral candidal carriage for patients with OPMD in comparison to healthy cohorts (p=0.013). Significant Odds and risk ratio was observed for the prevalence of Candida species among OPMD. Majority of the isolates in both groups were C. albicans . Colony forming units were high among patients with OPMD. Conclusion: A significant association of oral candidal carriage to oral potentially malignant disorders in comparison to healthy cohorts was observed. Candidal species may be potent risk factor for transition of OPMD to oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Oral Candidal Carriage Among Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study

Introduction: Etiology of oral squamous cell carcinoma is multifaceted. The established risk factors include tobacco, alcohol, and immunodeficiency states with infections gaining an importance. Candida species has been implicated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The present study aims at determining the prevalence of Candida species in the saliva of patients with OSCC and healthy cohorts. Materials and Methods: Unstimulated saliva was collected from patients with OSCC (n = 90) and age and sex matched healthy subjects (n = 170). The samples were inoculated onto sabouraud dextrose agar and incubated for a week. The isolates were enumerated using a colony counter. The isolates were identified using standard phenotypic methods. The significance of oral candidal carriage was calculated using chi-square test. Odds and risk ratio was calculated using pearson’s chi-square test. Result: Oral candidal carriage were present in 70% of patients with oscc, while healthy cohorts had a prevalence of 20%. The oral candidal carriage among OSCC patients in comparison to healthy cohorts was highly significant. (p = 0.0001). C. albicans and non-albicans Candida were equally distributed in the OSCC group. Colony-forming units were high among patients with oscc. Significant odds and risk ratio was observed for the prevalence of Candida species among OSCC (p

Correlation of Blood Glucose Levels, Salivary Glucose Levels and Oral Colony Forming Units of Candida albicans in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

The study aims to correlate salivary glucose, blood glucose levels and oral colony forming units of Candida albicans and to evaluate whether saliva can be used as noninvasive means to measure glycemic status in type II diabetics without the need for the invasive procedure. The study included 100 type II diabetic patients (group I) of both genders with age 40 years and above and100 healthy patients (group II), age and sex matched with the study group. Group I includes uncontrolled and controlled diabetics as groups IA and IB, respectively. Salivary glucose measurement was done using the enzymatic colorimetric method and blood glucose levels measured by doing venepuncture and centrifuged. The oral candidal carriage was calculated by incubation in Sabouraud's dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol and incubated aerobically for 48 hours. To compare the mean values Z test was applied. To determine the relationship between two variables Pearson's correlation coefficient was used. The salivary glucose levels showed a significant correlation with blood glucose levels. The salivary candida carriage was higher in uncontrolled as compared to controlled diabetics and healthy individuals. Positive correlation was obtained between salivary glucose and blood glucose in diabetics and candidal carriage has a positive correlation with blood glucose levels. This salivary glucose and blood glucose levels correlation confirms its use to find glycemic status in diabetic patients. The positive correlation of salivary glucose with blood glucose shows that it can be utilized as a noninvasive tool for monitoring glycemic status in diabetic patients.

Prevalence of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Oral and Nasal Cavities of 4 to 13-year-old Rural School Children: A Cross-sectional Study.

Aim:This study aimed to investigate the oral and nasal prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in 4 to 13-year-old rural schoolchildren.Materials and Methods:A total of 100 children aged 4 to 13 years were randomly selected and divided into ten groups based on their age (Group 1 = 4-year-old children to Group 10 = 13-year-old children). From each participating child, sampling was done from the anterior nares and dorsum of the tongue. All samples were inoculated into Baird–Parker agar medium and HiCrome™ MeReSa agar medium for the isolation of SA and MRSA. Both the culture plates were checked for the presence of SA and MRSA and overall SA and MRSA carriage. The distribution of SA and MRSA was evaluated. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS software (version 17.0).Results:Overall SA in 4–13 years’ age group was 47%, while CA-MRSA was 35%. On the tongue, 16 children had concomitant MRSA and SA, while only 23.8% (n = 20) of the children comprised the presence of SA when MRSA was absent (P < 0.001). In the nasal cavity, 30 children had concomitant MRSA and SA, while only 21.4% (n = 15) of the children had the presence of SA when MRSA was absent (P < 0.001). When tongue and nose were assessed, 11 children encompassed concomitant MRSA and SA, while only 16.9% (n = 13) of the children had the presence of SA when MRSA was absent in both sites (P < 0.001).Conclusion:A significant relation was found between nasal SA and CA-MRSA carriage, with oral SA and CA-MRSA carriage. The study concludes that oral cavity is possibly as important as the nasal area as a zone of SA and MRSA. Dentists dealing with pediatric population should take proper precautions to prevent cross contamination of SA and MRSA in the dental clinic.

Carriage Profile of Transient Oral Bacteria among Dar es Salaam Hypertensive Patients and its Association to Hypertension

Background: The causes of hypertension can be either reversible and/or irreversible. Oral infections caused by transient normal flora, Porphyromonas gingivalis in particular is among the reversible factors which can directly or indirectly influence hypertension. Therefore, the study was conducted to determine the oral bacterial profile and establish an association between P. gingivalis carriage and hypertension.Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted between January and July 2018 at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam. Oral swabs were collected and cultured in the appropriate media for isolation of bacteria. Bacterial identification was done using cultural properties and series of biochemical tests. Cramer’s V test analyzed categorical variables while Pearson correlation analyzed continous variables. Logistic regression was used in determination of Odds Ratio (OR). P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: In 120 hypertensive patients (HTP) the most isolated bacterial species were Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus by 20.6%, 18.8%and 7.1% respectively while for 50 nonhypertensive patients (NHTP) were 9.4%, 8.2% and 2.9% for S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae and S. aureus respectively. The prevalence of P. gingivalis was 10.6% in HTP and 1.2% in NHTP (p < 0.05). There was no significant association between harbouring P. gingivalis and hypertension (OR = 4.2; 95%CI = 0.944 -18.993; p = 0.130).Conclusions: Hypertensive patients exhibit high oral carriage of transient bacteria especially P. gingivalis as compared to non-hypertensive individuals. However, there was no association between P. gingivalis carriage and hypertension.

OralCandidacarriage among cigarette‐ and waterpipe‐smokers, and electronic cigarette users

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare oral Candida carriage among cigarette- and waterpipe-smokers, electronic cigarette (E-Cig) users, and never-smokers. Demographic data and information regarding smoking and vaping were collected using a questionnaire. Number of missing teeth and unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) were recorded. Oral Candida samples were collected and identified using concentrated oral rinse culture technique and PCR, respectively. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. Thirty-four cigarette-smokers (Group-1), 33 waterpipe-smokers (Group-2), 30 E-Cig users (Group-3), and 32 never-smokers (Group-4) were included. All were male participants with comparable mean ages. In groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, oral Candida carriage rate was 100%, 100%, 83.3% and 50%, respectively. The most commonly isolated oral yeast species in all groups was C.albicans. C.albicans carriage was significantly higher in groups 1 (p<0.05), 2 (p<0.05), and 3 (p<0.05) than Group-4. Data stratification for age, missing teeth, and UWSFR showed no significant difference in oral yeasts carriage in groups 1, 2, and 3. Oral C.albicans carriage was significantly higher among cigarette- and waterpipe-smokers and E-Cig users than never-smokers. No significant differences were identified among groups in the oral carriage of other Candida species.

PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF ORAL NON-CANDIDA ALBICANS CANDIDA CARRIAGE IN DENTURE WEARERS IN SANA'A CITY- YEMEN

The objective of this study was to contrast the prevalence and species of colonization of Non-Candida albicans (NCAC) in the oral cavity of denture wearers and non-denture wearers; also asses associated risk factors of their colonization. A total of 208 subjects were studied: 104 denture wearers and 104 non-denture wearers, matched by age, sex, comprised the experimental control groups, respectively. Each subject was instructed to perform oral rinsing using a phosphate-buffered saline solution, which was expectorated processed for the recovery of Candida species on on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Isolates were identified by culturing on chromogenic Candida agar noting species-specific colony characteristics. There was a significant oral carriage rate of NCAC among denture wearers (5.83% versus 11.1% in controls) with associated risk factor (5.4) (PV&lt;0.001). The most common isolated NCAC were C. Krusi C.tropicalis with significant OR (5.5 4.7 respectively). When co-infections were considered, there was highly significant association of C. albicans + C. krusi oral colonization in cases (OR=4.56, PV&lt;0.001). There was a significant oral carriage rate of NCAC among male denture wearers (36.9%, OR=6.6, PV˂0.001). In addition, there was a significant rate of NCAC colonization with complete denture (rate= 50%, OR=2.4, PV= 0.02). While no significant increase associated with colonization of NCAC with partial, acrylic /or chrome cobalt denture. Based on the results of this study ability of NCAC were greater in denture wearers than non-denture wearers, also greater risk of NCAC were found with males, older ages, complete denture.

Oral Candida colonization in patients with chronic periodontitis. Is there any relationship?

BackgroundCandida can be implicated in the pathology of chronic periodontitis. AimsTo analyze the oral Candida carriage in patients suffering from chronic periodontitis (CP) and its correlation with the severity of this condition. MethodsMicrobiological samples were taken from 155 patients using the oral rinse (OR) technique and by using paper points in the periodontal pockets (GPP). These patients were divided into 3 groups: 89 patients without CP (control), 47 with moderate CP, and 19 with severe CP. Samples were cultured in a Candida chromogenic agar for Candida. Species were identified by microbiological and molecular methods. ResultsCandida was isolated in the OR of 45 (50.6%), 21 (44.7%), and 11 (57.9%) patients, respectively, and in the GPP of 32 (36%), 14 (29.2%), and 10 (42.6%) patients from the control, moderate CP and severe CP groups, respectively. Candida was isolated more frequently and in a greater burden in OR than in GPP (p<0.01). Candida albicans was the most prevalent species. GPP of patients with CP had poor fungal biodiversity (p<0.01). ConclusionsColonization by Candida was present in the samples of patients without CP, and with both moderate and severe CP. Nonetheless, patients with severe CP had a higher rate of Candida colonization, especially by C. albicans.

Oral carriage of candidiasis in patients with oral dental diseases: predisposing factors, species and their antifungal susceptibility patterns

Oral carriage of candidiasis in patients with oral dental diseases: predisposing factors, species and their antifungal susceptibility patterns

Oral microbiome alterations of healthy volunteers with proton pump inhibitor

Acid suppressive agents including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used as first-line treatment for various acid-related gastrointestinal disorders. Although known to profoundly reduce gastric acid production, their influence on inhibition of acid secretion as part of the function of the gastrointestinal tract microbiome remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of PPI usage on oral and gut microbiota in healthy volunteers. Ten healthy adult volunteers receiving no medications were enrolled. We obtained fecal, saliva, and periodontal pocket fluid samples from the subjects before and after 4weeks of once daily administrations of 20-mg esomeprazole. The effects of PPI administration on bacterial communities were investigated using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing method. Species richness (alpha diversity) was significantly different among the salivary, periodontal pocket, and fecal samples. Furthermore, the measurements for UniFrac distances, despite inter-individual variations (beta diversity), of the microbiota structure of saliva and periodontal pocket and feces samples were clearly separated from each other. The salivary samples showed significant differences between alpha and beta diversity measurements before and after administration of the PPI for 4weeks. Meanwhile, taxon-based analysis indicated that PPI administration raised the ratio of Streptococcus organisms in fecal samples, suggesting a potentially unfavorable effect leading to gut microbiota alteration. Moreover, alterations of the microbiota in the oral carriage microbiome along with bacterial overgrowth (Streptococcus) and decreases in distinct bacterial species (Neisseria and Veillonella) were observed. These results suggest that PPIs cause both oral and gut microbiota alterations.

Candida species in patients with oral dysesthesia: A comparison of carriage among oral disease states

Oral dysesthesia (burning mouth syndrome) is characterized by a burning-like sensation of the oral mucosa. The etiology of this disorder is still unknown, however, associations with oral fungal carriage have been proposed and applied clinically. The aim of the this study was to compare oral Candida carriage in patients with oral dysesthesia with Candida carriage in patients with other commonly diagnosed oral diseases to clarify the relationship between Candida and oral dysesthesia. In total, 441 patients in total including 79 patients diagnosed with oral dysesthesia were included in this study. A retrospective analysis of mycological investigations undertaken in patients with clinically diagnosed oral dysesthesia compared with other oral conditions was undertaken. Oral carriage of Candida was found in 63.3% (50 of 79) of patients with oral dysesthesia. The frequency of carriage and oral load of Candida were not significantly increased in patients with oral dysesthesia relative to the other conditions assessed. Patients with clinical signs of fungal infection or xerostomia presented with increased carriage of Candida. There is no association between oral dysesthesia and the presence or load of oral Candida.

Association of Oral Microbiome With Risk for Incident Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer

Case-control studies show a possible relationship between oral bacteria and head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Prospective studies are needed to examine the temporal relationship between oral microbiome and subsequent risk of HNSCC. To prospectively examine associations between the oral microbiome and incident HNSCC. This nested case-control study was carried out in 2 prospective cohort studies: the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort (CPS-II) and the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO). Among 122 004 participants, 129 incident patient cases of HNSCC were identified during an average 3.9 years of follow-up. Two controls per patient case (n = 254) were selected through incidence density sampling, matched on age, sex, race/ethnicity, and time since mouthwash collection. All participants provided mouthwash samples and were cancer-free at baseline. Oral microbiome composition and specific bacterial abundances were determined through bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Overall oral microbiome composition and specific taxa abundances were compared for the case group and the control group, using PERMANOVA and negative binomial generalized linear models, respectively, controlling for age, sex, race, cohort, smoking, alcohol, and oral human papillomavirus-16 status. Taxa with a 2-sided false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted P-value (q-value) <.10 were considered significant. Incident HNSCC. The study included 58 patient cases from CPS-II (mean [SD] age, 71.0 [6.4] years; 16 [27.6%] women) and 71 patient cases from PLCO (mean [SD] age, 62.7 [4.8] years; 13 [18.3%] women). Two controls per patient case (n = 254) were selected through incidence density sampling, matched on age, sex, race/ethnicity, and time since mouthwash collection. Head and neck squamous cell cancer cases and controls were similar with respect to age, sex, and race. Patients in the case group were more often current tobacco smokers, tended to have greater alcohol consumption (among drinkers), and to be positive for oral carriage of papillomavirus-16. Overall microbiome composition was not associated with risk of HNSCC. Greater abundance of genera Corynebacterium (fold change [FC], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.80; q = .06) and Kingella (FC, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.46-0.86; q = .08) were associated with decreased risk of HNSCC, potentially owing to carcinogen metabolism capacity. These findings were consistent for both cohorts and by cohort follow-up time. The observed relationships tended to be stronger for larynx cancer and for individuals with a history of tobacco use. This study demonstrates that greater oral abundance of commensal Corynebacterium and Kingella is associated with decreased risk of HNSCC, with potential implications for cancer prevention.