Mechanisms of action of Lactobacillus spp. in the treatment of oral candidiasis.

Candida albicans is often associated with oral candidiasis, and drug-resistance profiles have contributed to an increase in morbidity and mortality. It is known that Lactobacillus spp. acts by competing for adhesion to the epithelium, absorption of nutrients and modulation of the human microbiota. Therefore, they are important to assist in the host's microbiological balance and reduce the growth of Candida spp. Until now, there have been no reports in the literature of reviews correlating to the use of Lactobacillus spp. in the treatment of oral candidiasis. Thus, this review aims to highlight the mechanisms of action of Lactobacillus spp. and methods that can be used in the treatment of oral candidiasis. This is a study carried out through the databases PubMed Central and Scientific Electronic Library Online, using the following keywords: Oral Candidiasis and Lactobacillus. Original articles about oral candidiasis were included, with both in vitro and in vivo analyses, and published from 2012 to 2022. Lactobacillus rhamnosus was the most common microorganism used in the experiments against Candida, acting mainly in the reduction of biofilm, filamentation, and competing for adhesion sites of Candida spp. Among in vivo studies, most researchers used immunosuppressed mouse modelsof Candida infection. The studies showed that Lactobacillus has a great potential as a probiotic, acting mainly in the prevention and treatment of mucosal diseases. Thus, the use of Lactobacillus may be a good strategy for the treatment of oral candidiasis.

Early Candida colonisation impact on patients and healthcare professionals in an intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: Candida spp. is an opportunistic pathogen that causes superficial and invasive infections with nosocomial outbreaks without strict hygiene protocols. Herein, we assessed oral colonisation by Candida spp. in 209 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients between July 2021 and April 2022, conducting clinical, epidemiological, and microbiological characterisation of those developing oral or invasive candidiasis. METHODS: Initial oral swabs were collected within 24 h of admission in the ICU, followed by collections on Days 2, 4, 6 and 8. Swabs from denture-wearing patients, abiotic surfaces, healthcare professionals' hands, and retroauricular regions were also obtained. Recovered yeasts and filamentous fungi were identified using MALDI-TOF MS and morphological characteristics, respectively. Genetic similarity of Candida spp. isolates was evaluated using Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), and the antifungal susceptibility profile was determined by broth microdilution. RESULTS: In the study, 64.11% of patients were orally colonised by Candida spp. Of these, 80.59% were colonised within the first 24 h. Oral colonisation also occurred on subsequent days: 50%/Day 2, 26.92%/Day 4, and 11.53%/Days 6 and 8. Of the patients, 8.61% had oral candidiasis, mainly pseudomembranous. Among orally colonised patients, 2.23% developed invasive candidiasis. Besides, 89.47% of healthcare professionals evaluated were colonised. MALDI-TOF MS identified different yeast species, and C. albicans (45.34%), C. tropicalis (15.7%), and C. parapsilosis sensu stricto (9.88%) were the most prevalent. AFLP analysis indicated a high genetic correlation (≥97%) between C. parapsilosis sensu stricto isolates from patients and professionals. Three resistant C. albicans isolates were also found. CONCLUSION: This study reported a diversity of yeast and filamentous fungi species in ICU patients and highlighted early Candida spp. colonisation risks for invasive candidiasis, as well as the potential horizontal transmission in the nosocomial setting, emphasising the need for effective infection control measures.

Tailored Sticky Solutions: 3D-Printed Miconazole Buccal Films for Pediatric Oral Candidiasis.

In this research, 3D-printed antifungal buccal films (BFs) were manufactured as a potential alternative to commercially available antifungal oral gels addressing key considerations such as ease of manufacturing, convenience of administration, enhanced drug efficacy and suitability of paediatric patients. The fabrication process involved the use of a semi-solid extrusion method to create BFs from zein-Poly-Vinyl-Pyrrolidone (zein-PVP) polymer blend, which served as a carrier for drug (miconazole) and taste enhancers. After manufacturing, it was determined that the disintegration time for all films was less than 10 min. However, these films are designed to adhere to buccal tissue, ensuring sustained drug release. Approximately 80% of the miconazole was released gradually over 2 h from the zein/PVP matrix of the 3D printed films. Moreover, a detailed physicochemical characterization including spectroscopic and thermal methods was conducted to assess solid state and thermal stability of film constituents. Mucoadhesive properties and mechanical evaluation were also studied, while permeability studies revealed the extent to which film-loaded miconazole permeates through buccal tissue compared to commercially available oral gel formulation. Histological evaluation of the treated tissues was followed. Furthermore, in vitro antifungal activity was assessed for the developed films and the commercial oral gel. Finally, films underwent a two-month drug stability test to ascertain the suitability of the BFs for clinical application. The results demonstrate that 3D-printed films are a promising alternative for local administration of miconazole in the oral cavity.

Efficacy of Curcumin-Mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on Candida spp.-A Systematic Review.

Oral candidiasis is a common problem among immunocompetent patients. The frequent resistance of Candida strains to popular antimycotics makes it necessary to look for alternative methods of treatment. The authors conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The objective of this review was to determine if curcumin-mediated blue light could be considered as an alternative treatment for oral candidiasis. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using a combination of the following keywords: (Candida OR candidiasis oral OR candidiasis oral OR denture stomatitis) AND (curcumin OR photodynamic therapy OR apt OR photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy OR PACT OR photodynamic inactivation OR PDI). The review included in vitro laboratory studies with Candida spp., in vivo animal studies, and randomized control trials (RCTs) involving patients with oral candidiasis or prosthetic stomatitis, published only in English. The method of elimination of Candida species in the studies was curcumin-mediated aPDT. A total of 757 studies were identified. Following the analysis of the titles and abstracts of the studies, only 42 studies were selected for in-depth screening, after which 26 were included in this study. All studies evaluated the antifungal efficacy of curcumin-mediated aPDT against C. albicans and non-albicans Candida. In studies conducted with planktonic cells solutions, seven studies demonstrated complete elimination of Candida spp. cells. The remaining studies demonstrated only partial elimination. In all cases, experiments on single-species yeast biofilms demonstrated partial, statistically significant inhibition of cell growth and reduction in biofilm mass. In vivo, curcumin-mediated aPDT has shown good antifungal activity against oral candidiasis also in an animal model. However, its clinical efficacy as a potent therapeutic strategy for oral candidiasis requires few further RCTs.

Opportunistic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS attending antiretroviral therapy clinics in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Opportunistic infections (OIs) are more common and severe among people with suppressed immunity like those living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of OIs and associated factors among PLWH attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in the Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility based retrospective cohort study was conducted from April to June 2018 among PLWH attending ART clinics in Gedeo zone, Ethiopia from November 2016 - November 2017. A simple random sampling method was used to select the both paper based and electronic study participants' charts. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated using multivariable logistic regression analysis for variables statistically significant at 95% confidence interval under bivariable logistic regression analysis, and significance was declared at P < 0.05. RESULTS: a total of 266 PLWH attended the selected ART clinics of Gedeo zone during the one year period were participated in the current study. The majority 104(39.1%) were within the age group 30-39, 106(60.2%) male, 184(69.2%) married, and 167(62.9%) urban residents. The study revealed the prevalence of OIs was 113(42.5%) with oral candidiasis 28(24.5%) the most prevalent followed by pulmonary tuberculosis 22(19.5%) and herpes zoster 15(13.4%). Further, study participants with ambulatory [AOR = 2.40(95% CI: 1.14, 5.03)], and bedridden [AOR = 3.27(95% CI:1.64, 6.52)] working functional status; with lower CD4 count: less than 200cells/mm3 [AOR = 9.14(95% CI: 2.75, 30.39)], 200-350cells/mm3 [AOR = 9.45(95% CI: 2.70,33.06)], 351-500cells/mm3 [AOR = 5.76(95% CI: 1.71, 19.39)]; being poor in ART adherence level [AOR = 10.05(95% CI: 4.31,23.46)]; being in stage III/IV WHO clinical stage of HIV/AIDS [AOR = 2.72(95% CI: 1.42, 5.20)]; and being chewing khat [AOR = 2.84(95% CI: 1.21, 6.65)] were found positively predicting the occurrence of OIs. CONCLUSION: This study speckled a high prevalence of OIs with several predicting factors. Therefore, the study acmes there should be interventional means which tackles the higher prevalence of OIs with focus to the predicting factors like lower CD4 count level, less/bedridden working functional status, poor ART adherence level, advanced stage of HIV/AIDS stage and chewing khat.

An approach to analyze spatiotemporal patterns of gene expression at single-cell resolution in Candida albicans-infected mouse tongues.

Microbial gene expression measurements derived from infected organs are invaluable to understand pathogenesis. However, current methods are limited to "bulk" analyses that neglect microbial cell heterogeneity and the lesion's spatial architecture. Here, we report the use of hybridization chain reaction RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (HCR RNA-FISH) to visualize and quantify Candida albicans transcripts at single-cell resolution in tongues of infected mice. The method is compatible with fixed-frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. We document cell-to-cell variation and intriguing spatiotemporal expression patterns for C. albicans mRNAs that encode products implicated in oral candidiasis. The approach provides a spatial dimension to gene expression analyses of host-Candida interactions. IMPORTANCE: Candida albicans is a fungal pathobiont inhabiting multiple mucosal surfaces of the human body. Immunosuppression, antibiotic-induced microbial dysbiosis, or implanted medical devices can impair mucosal integrity enabling C. albicans to overgrow and disseminate, causing either mucosal diseases such as oropharyngeal candidiasis or life-threatening systemic infections. Profiling fungal genes that are expressed in the infected mucosa or in any other infected organ is paramount to understand pathogenesis. Ideally, these transcript profiling measurements should reveal the expression of any gene at the single-cell level. The resolution typically achieved with current approaches, however, limits most gene expression measurements to cell population averages. The approach described in this report provides a means to dissect fungal gene expression in infected tissues at single-cell resolution.

Chronic nonspecific cheilitis associated with tislelizumab treatment in a patient with a history of tongue squamous cell carcinoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Chronic nonspecific cheilitis is a complex condition characterized by persistent lip peeling and discomfort. This case report explores the clinical progression of a patient with history of tongue squamous cell carcinoma and subsequent Tislelizumab treatment, presenting with persistent lip peeling. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient with a history of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (T2N0M0), treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and Tislelizumab, presented with six months of persistent lip peeling. Clinical examination revealed distinct features of chronic nonspecific cheilitis with infectious angular cheilitis (Oral Candidiasis). A tailored treatment plan, emphasizing oral hygiene practices and local treatments with Sodium Bicarbonate, Tacrolimus ointment, and Chlortetracycline ointment. Follow-up visits demonstrated sustained improvement, highlighting the significance of individualized approaches. CONCLUSIONS: This case underscores the importance of recognizing and managing oral manifestations in patients with a history of cancer and immunotherapy. The patient's response to treatment suggests that a multifaceted approach, combining local therapy with lifestyle modifications, can be effective in managing chronic nonspecific cheilitis associated with immunotherapy. Routine follow-up appointments, guided by personalized medicine principles, contribute to sustained patient well-being.

Might photobiomodulation therapy interfere with the frequency of severe mucositis and oral candidiasis? A retrospective analysis in patients with head and neck carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Considering the tumor in the oral cavity or the oropharynx and nasopharynx region might be an aggravating factor for oral mucositis (OM) manifestation, the present study aimed to evaluate whether the location of the tumor and the use of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) might affect the frequency of oral candidiasis (OC) during radiotherapy (RT) and/or chemotherapy (CT) treatments. METHODS: The medial records of seventy-four patients with head and neck cancer treated in a public service from 2016 to 2019 were evaluated. All these patients were submitted to RT in an accumulated dose of 48 to 70 Gy of radiation. Data about OM and OC were collected and presented according to the application of a therapeutic protocol with laser photobiomodulation (PBMT) to control oral mucositis, or not (No-PBM), and the location of tumor (head and neck or oral cavity). In the PBMT group patients, a low-power laser device composed of InGaAlP diode (maximum output power of 86.7 mW, active tip area of 0.1256 cm2, and continuous wavelength of 660 nm), was applied to the lips (three points each), right and left jugal mucosa (three points each), the limit between hard and soft palate (three points), buccal floor/sublingual gland (one point), lateral edge of the tongue (three points on each side), and back of the tongue (six points), three times weekly, for 5 weeks. The dosimetry used in each application was 2 J for 3 s, thus totaling 56 J. The correlation between clinical characteristics such as age, tumor size (T), metastatic lymph node (N), number of RT and CT sessions, candidiasis, and OM were analyzed. RESULTS: Mucositis grades 1 and 2 were the most common among all patients, especially before the 12th radiotherapy session, regardless of the treatment with PBM (p > 0.05). Additionally, no difference in the grade of OM and OC was significantly observed when comparing the two laser therapy groups. OC was more frequent after the 12th radiotherapy session in all groups. Nonetheless, OM and OC had a different correlation regarding to tumor location (head and neck and oral cavity) being PBMT a positive therapy to delay OM. It was observed a positive and statistically significant correlation between tumors at oral cavity and OM, regardless PBMT (R = 0.84, p < 0.05 to PBMT and R = 0.13, p < 0.05 to No-PBM). Otherwise, OC was positively correlated to local metastasis in patients with oral tumors undergoing PBMT (R = 0.84, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with oral cavity tumor presented more OM, especially high grades, then patients with tumors in other regions of the head and neck, which seems to be related to the irradiation parameters of radiotherapy and/or with the limitation of conduction of PBMT in tumor areas. OM and OC were not changed by PBMT, although it helped to reduce the incidence of severe cases of OM.

Association of mucoadhesive polymeric matrices and liposomes for local delivery of miconazole: A new approach for the treatment of oral candidiasis.

Since the local treatment of oral candidiasis usually requires long-term administration of the antifungal drug, an ideal dosage form should be able to maintain the drug release over an extended period, assuring an adequate concentration at the infection site. In this context, we have considered the possibility of a buccal delivery of miconazole nitrate (MN) by mucoadhesive polymeric matrices. The loading of the antifungal drug in a hydrophilic matrix was made possible by taking advantage of the amphiphilic nature of liposomes (LP). The MN-loaded LP were prepared by a thin film evaporation method followed by extrusion, while solid matrices were obtained by freeze-drying a suspension of the LP in a polymeric solution based on chitosan (CH), sodium hyaluronate (HYA), or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). MN-loaded LP measured 284.7 ± 20.1 nm with homogeneous size distribution, adequate drug encapsulation efficiency (86.0 ± 3.3 %) and positive zeta potential (+47.4 ± 3.3). CH and HYA-based formulations almost completely inhibited C. albicans growth after 24 h, even if the HYA-based one released a higher amount of the drug. The CH-based matrix also provided the best mucoadhesive capacity and therefore represents the most promising candidate for the local treatment of oral candidiasis.

Clinical features and risk factors for Sjogren's syndrome patients suffering from oral candidiasis in Shanxi, China.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical features and risk factors of Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) patients suffering from oral candidiasis and to provide a foundation for the prevention and treatment of oral candidiasis in SS patients. METHODS: The medical records of 479 SS patients admitted to the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from 2018 to 2020 were analysed to determine the clinical characteristics and risk factors that influence the occurrence of oral candidiasis infection in SS patients. RESULTS: Patients with oral candidiasis were older than those without oral candidiasis (P < 0.05). Male SS patients had greater oral candidiasis rates (P < 0.05). Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) were both shown to be adversely associated with oral Candida infections (P < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that a low UWS was an independent risk factor for oral Candida infections in SS patients (OR: 0.004, P = 0.023). Greater WBC counts (OR: 1.22, P < 0.001), lower haemoglobin levels (OR: 0.97, P = 0.007), lower serum albumin levels (OR: 0.88, P < 0.001), lower IgG levels (OR: 0.91, P = 0.011), lower IgA levels (OR: 0.75, P = 0.011), and lower IgM levels (OR: 0.91, P = 0.015) were found in patients with oral Candida infections. Patients on immunosuppressive medications (OR: 0.32, P = 0.011), particularly rapamycin (P < 0.001), had a decreased rate of oral Candida infections. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with oral candidiasis were older than those without oral candidiasis. Male SS patients are more likely to have oral candidiasis. Individuals with lower UWS and SWS are more susceptible to oral Candida infection. Oral Candida infections in SS patients depend on their immunological status. Rapamycin may increase the abundance of Treg cells to reduce oral Candida infection in SS patients.

Combinatorial actions of IL-22 and IL-17 drive optimal immunity to oral candidiasis through SPRRs.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is the most common human fungal infection, arising typically from T cell immune impairments. IL-17 and IL-22 contribute individually to OPC responses, but here we demonstrate that the combined actions of both cytokines are essential for resistance to OPC. Mice lacking IL-17RA and IL-22RA1 exhibited high fungal loads in esophagus- and intestinal tract, severe weight loss, and symptoms of colitis. Ultimately, mice succumbed to infection. Dual loss of IL-17RA and IL-22RA impaired expression of small proline rich proteins (SPRRs), a class of antimicrobial effectors not previously linked to fungal immunity. Sprr2a1 exhibited direct candidacidal activity in vitro, and Sprr1-3a-/- mice were susceptible to OPC. Thus, cooperative actions of Type 17 cytokines mediate oral mucosal anti-Candida defenses and reveal a role for SPRRs.

Clinical and mycological analysis of colonization by Candida spp. in oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the prevalence of Candida spp. colonization in oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus lesions, verify the influence of systemic and local factors, besides identify and determine the in vitro antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were collected by swabbing from oral lesions and healthy mucosa and cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose and CHROMagar® Candida plates. Species identification was confirmed with MALDI-TOF MS analysis. RESULTS: Candida spp. was found in 36.8% of cases of oral leukoplakia and 18.2% of cases of oral lichen planus. Candida albicans was the only species found in oral lichen planus lesions (n = 2, 100%) and the most prevalent in oral leukoplakia (n = 5, 76.4%). Among the non-albicans Candida species found in oral leukoplakia were C. parapsilosis (n = 2, 25.5%) and C. tropicalis (n = 1, 14.1%). Candida isolates were susceptible to all antifungals tested. CONCLUSION: C. albicans was the most commonly found species in the studied lesions. No correlation was found between systemic and local factors with positive cases of oral lichen planus. However, smoking and alcohol consumption may be associated with positive cases of oral leukoplakia, especially the non-homogeneous clinical form. In addition, there is a possible predisposition to associated Candida colonization in cases of epithelial dysplasia found in oral leukoplakia. The antifungal medications tested showed excellent efficacy against isolates.

Candida species in periodontitis: A new villain or a new target?

OBJECTIVES: Recent research indicated that fungi might have a role in periodontitis alongside traditional periodontal pathogens. This state-of-the-art narrative review explores current concepts on the involvement of Candida species in periodontitis, and suggests the potential for ecological management of this disease. DATA, SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: A literature search was conducted for a narrative review on Web of Science, PubMed, Medline and Scopus about periodontitis associated with Candida species. Published articles, including case reports, case series, observational and interventional clinical trials, and critical appraisals of the literature were retrieved and reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors predispose individuals to periodontitis associated with Candida species. These include systemic diseases that lead to immunosuppression and oral environment changes such as cigarette smoking. While a consistent significant increase in the detection rate of Candida species in patients with periodontitis has not been universally observed, there is evidence linking Candida species to the severity of periodontitis and their potential to worsen the condition. Candida species may participate in the development of periodontitis in various ways, including cross-kingdom interactions with periodontal pathogens, changes in the local or systemic environment favoring the virulence of Candida species, and interactions between Candida-bacteria and host immunity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mechanical plaque control is the most common treatment for periodontitis, but its effectiveness may be limited, particularly when dealing with systemic risk factors. Understanding the specific role of Candida in periodontitis illuminates innovative approaches for managing the ecological balance in periodontal health.

Chitosan from the base of Flammulina velutipes stipe alleviates oral Candida albicans infection via modulating Th-17 cell differentiation and Streptococcus mutans.

The base of Flammulina velutipes (F. velutipes) stipe are agricultural wastes generated during the cultivation of edible fungus F. velutipes with high amount of chitin. Herein, this study firstly prepared chitosan from the base of F. velutipes stipe (FVC) and its structure was identified. It was confirmed that FVC acted as an antigenic substance to activate the immune system in vivo and in vitro, drive T cells to differentiate into Th-17 cells, and establish an effective mucosal immune barrier in the oral cavity, thus inhibited C. albicans infection; On the other hand, FVC maintained the oral flora stability and significantly reduced the abundance of Streptococcus spp., which was closely related to C. albicans infection. On this basis, the inhibitory effects of FVC on oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei associated with C. albicans infection were further verified, and it was demonstrated that FVC effectively interfered with the growth of pathogenic bacteria by inducing the production of intracellular ROS to damage bacterial cells. Therefore, FVC may be potentially exploited as a novel approach to the prevention and treatment of oral C. albicans infection.

Impact of Brief Exposure to Lysozyme and Lactoferrin on Pathogenic Attributes of Oral Candida.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Adhesion to buccal epithelial cells (BEC) and denture acrylic surfaces (DAS), germ tube (GT) formation, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), and haemolysin production are attributes associated with pathogenicity of Candida. Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis are allied in causing oral candidosis. Lysozyme and lactoferrin exert antimicrobial activity on a range of oral microorganisms, including Candida. There is no information on the impact of brief exposure to lysozyme and lactoferrin on adhesion-related attributes and haemolysin production of aforementioned oral Candida isolates. Thus, we investigated the impact of lysozyme and lactoferrin on adhesion to BEC and DAS, GT formation, CSH, and haemolysin production of these isolates. METHODS: After exposure to lysozyme and lactoferrin for 1 hour, susceptibility to lysozyme and lactoferrin of 20 isolates each of C albicans and C dubliniensis isolates was determined following a 48-hour period of incubation. Candida cell suspensions, obtained from colony-forming units after this period, were assessed for adhesion to BEC and DAS, GT formation, CSH, and haemolysin production using in vitro assays. RESULTS: Exposure to lysozyme and lactoferrin significantly suppressed the ability of C albicans and C dubliniensis isolates to adhere to BEC and DAS, GT formation, CSH, and haemolysin production (P < 0.01 for all virulent attributes tested). CONCLUSIONS: These data provide a tantalising glimpse into the possibility that exposure to either lysozyme or lactoferrin, even for a brief period, would induce a sustainable antifungal effect by suppressing adhesion-related attributes and haemolysin production of these oral Candida species in vitro. Resistance to conventional antifungal agents has been reported in clinical isolates of Candida. The presence of such resistance indicates the need for possible alternative therapies to facilitate the management of oral candidosis. Further research on the pharmacodynamics of lysozyme and lactoferrin and their effects on candidal pathogenic attributes should be fostered, with the vision of developing novel topical antifungal drugs.

Minimally Invasive Semiconductor Laser Surgery Combined with 5-ALA Photodynamic Therapy for a Chronic Hyperplastic Candidiasis Patient Who Is Ineffective to Antifungal Therapy.

Background: Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis (CHC) is a chronic oral mucosal infection caused by Candida, which has potential for malignant transformation. Diagnosing CHC can be challenging due to its various manifestations. In addition, fungal treatments often prove to be ineffective, highlighting the urgent need for a new safe and efficient treatment approach. Given the potential of CHC to transform into malignancy, it is crucial to emphasize dynamic monitoring and follow-up after treatment. Objective: We attempted to investigate the effect of semiconductor laser pretreatment combined with 5-amino-levulinic acid (5-ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT) for CHC. Methods: We presented the successful treatment of CHC with mild dysplasia in a 30-year-old man using semiconductor laser and 5-ALA PDT after antifungal therapy proved ineffective. Toluidine blue staining, autofluorescence imaging, and DNA image cytometry were combined to dynamically monitor the progress of the disease. Results: We have obtained positive outcomes with the use of laser combined with PDT treatment. The patients experienced only mild adverse reactions after the treatment, and there was no indication of recurrence or malignant transformation during the subsequent follow-up period, as observed through various auxiliary examinations. Conclusions: This case report suggests that semiconductor laser surgery combined with PDT could be a promising treatment option for patients with CHC who do not respond to antifungal therapy. In addition, the use of combined noninvasive examinations might provide a more accurate assessment of malignant transformation in patients with CHC.

Lactoferrin as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of Candida-associated denture stomatitis.

BACKGROUND: The use of prostheses in the oral cavity creates favorable conditions for Candida colonization, which may subsequently lead to Candida-associated denture stomatitis (CADS). Due to its many contributing factors and frequent relapses, CADS is difficult to manage. Given the rise in drug resistance among fungal species, it is critical to develop new therapeutic approaches, reduce the required dosage of medications, and minimize the toxicity and side effects of therapy. HIGHLIGHT: Salivary lactoferrin, a multifunctional glycoprotein, is thought to be the first line of defense against microbial invasion of mucosal surfaces. CONCLUSION: Current research emphasizes the capability of lactoferrin and its derivatives to eliminate a broad spectrum of Candida species. It may be an appealing option for use in monotherapy or in combination with common medications for oral stomatitis treatment. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of lactoferrin's anti-fungal effects in oral candidiasis.

Oral candidiasis in liver transplant patients: species identification and antifungal susceptibility profile.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify oral candidiasis, identify the causative species, and investigate the antifungal susceptibility of yeasts isolated from liver transplant patients. METHODS: A descriptive analysis of 97 patients who underwent liver transplantation was conducted at a hospital. Two clinical examinations (Collections A and B) of the oral cavity were performed. Oral material was collected from all patients, inoculated in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, and incubated at 35℃ for 48 hours. Samples were identified by molecular sequencing of the internal trascribed space region of rDNA. RESULTS: An antifungal susceptibility test with fluconazole, amphotericin B, and micafungin was performed using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute yeast broth microdilution method. Among the patients, 15 presented with oral candidiasis: eight in Collection A and seven in Collection B. The primary type of candidiasis was atrophic, followed by pseudomembranous candidiasis. The most prevalent species was Candida albicans (nine), followed by Candida glabrata (three), Candida tropicalis (two), and Candida dubliniensis (one). Regarding susceptibility to fluconazole, of the 15 samples, 11 were susceptible, three were susceptible in a dose-dependent manner, and one was resistant. CONCLUSION: The most commonly identified type of candidiasis was atrophic, with C. albicans and C. glabrata being the most prevalent causative species. One fluconazole-resistant isolate each of C. tropicalis and C. albicans were identified.

Oral Candida albicans strain diversity and maintenance in HIV positive women in South Africa.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated C. albicans strain diversity and maintenance in the oral cavity of HIV positive women over a 6 month period. STUDY DESIGN: C. albicans strains were isolated from 17 HIV positive women at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, Johannesburg at 3 intervals over a 6 month period. Strains were genotyped using ABC and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) techniques. In the MLST technique, for each strain, a Diploid Sequence Type (DST) number was obtained. Using cluster analysis, an Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) dendrogram and a matrix of strain similarities were generated. Strains were also compared to the previous South African isolates documented in the MLST database. RESULTS: Ninety four percent of women carried the same ABC genotype for 6 months. MLST technique, showed that ten women (58.8%) carried the same DST at 2 visits, while seven (41.2%) carried different DST at all visits. Further analysis showed that 64.7% of women were recolonised with different strains and 35.3% carried the same strains of C. albicans with heterozygosity. A total of 40 diploid sequence types were identified of which 27 DSTs were unique to this study group that were added to the MLST database. Most of the strains were closely related to previously isolated strains from South Africa. CONCLUSION: Recolonization of the oral cavity with different strains and microevolution of the original strains of C. albicans can occur, which can be a potential problem for HIV patients, in whom highly virulent and drug resistant strains can emerge.