Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy using indocyanine green in experimentally induced intraoral ulcers in rats.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) is a promising modality for eradication of microorganisms from the wound. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of PACT using indocyanine green (ICG) for reduction of bacterial load of oral ulcers in rats and its impact on the healing process. METHODS: In this experimental study, 50 adult male Sprague Dawley rats were recruited. Oral ulcers were surgically made on the left cheek mucosa, and animals were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 10). Wound site in groups 1, 2, and 3 was irrigated with the sterile saline (0.9%), chlorhexidine (CHX; 0.2%), and ICG solutions (1 mg/mL), respectively. Group 4 was exposed to laser irradiation using 810 nm diode laser on continuous-wave mode for 30 seconds (fluence: 55 J/cm2 , power: 300 mW, spot size: 4.5 mm). In group 5, PACT was performed using topical application of ICG followed by laser irradiation in the same way as the previous group. Bacterial load of oral ulcers was assessed before and after each treatment modality. Besides, rats were sacrificed on the 5th day post ulceration and histological features of healing were evaluated. RESULTS: Bacterial load was significantly reduced merely in the PACT-ICG-treated group by one log (P < .0001). Animals in the PACT-ICG-treated group also showed an accelerated healing in comparison with others on the 5th day of an experiment. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy using topical application of ICG has a potential to reduce the bacterial load of oral ulcers and accelerate wound repair. Therefore, it can be considered as an alternative to currently available modalities for wound management.

Oral forms of secondary syphilis: An illustration of the pitfalls set by the great imitator.

INTRODUCTION: Syphilis is reemerging in certain populations, such as in men who have sex with men in particular. Oral manifestations are not uncommon and can render diagnosis difficult, particularly if occurring in isolation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recovered clinical data for all patients receiving a diagnosis of secondary syphilis who were referred to the National Reference Center for Syphilis in Paris, France, from January 2000 to July 2019. We selected patients presenting oral symptoms only and analyzed their general characteristics, time to diagnosis, and clinical presentations. RESULTS: Secondary syphilis was diagnosed in 206 patients, 38 of whom (18%) presented oral manifestations, which were isolated in 14 patients (37%). The main oral manifestations were subacute erosive or ulcerative lesions (55%), mucous patches on the tongue (53%), and nodular (10%) and leukokeratotic lesions (5%). Mean time to diagnosis was 4.5 months, but was significantly longer for patients with isolated oral symptoms (8.8 vs 1.8 months; P = .02). CONCLUSION: Oral presentations of secondary syphilis are frequent and challenging for diagnosis, even in patients with epidemiologic risk factors. Clinicians confronted with subacute oral lesions in such patients should bear in mind the possibility of this contagious, curable, and sometimes severe disease.

Alimentary necrobacillosis in alpacas.

Ulcers of the oral cavity, esophagus, and gastric compartments of South American camelids are uncommon. Multifocal-to-coalescing ulcers were identified in the oral cavity, esophagus, and/or gastric compartments of 5 alpacas submitted for postmortem examination. Fusobacterium necrophorum was isolated from the lesions in all alpacas, in combination with other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In 4 of these cases, F. necrophorum-associated lesions were considered secondary to neoplasia or other chronic debilitating conditions; in 1 case, the alimentary ulcers were considered the most significant autopsy finding. It is not known if this agent acted as a primary or opportunistic agent in mucosal membranes previously damaged by a traumatic event, chemical insult, immunodeficiency, or any other debilitating condition of the host.

Balanced oral pathogenic bacteria and probiotics promoted wound healing via maintaining mesenchymal stem cell homeostasis.

OBJECTIVES: The homeostasis of oral pathogenic bacteria and probiotics plays a crucial role in maintaining the well-being and healthy status of human host. Our previous study confirmed that imbalanced oral microbiota could impair mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation capacity and delay wound healing. However, the effects of balanced oral pathogenic bacteria and probiotics on MSCs and wound healing are far from clear. Here, the balance of pathogenic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and probiotics Lactobacillus reuteri extracts was used to investigate whether balanced oral microbiota modulate the physiological functions of MSCs and promote wound healing. METHODS: The effects of balanced pathogenic bacteria P. gingivalis and probiotics L. reuteri extracts on gingival MSCs (GMSCs) were tested using the migration, alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red staining, cell counting kit-8, real-time PCR, and western blot assays. To investigate the role of balanced pathogenic bacteria P. gingivalis and probiotics L. reuteri extracts in the wound of mice, the wounds were established in the mucosa of palate and were inoculated with bacteria every 2 days. RESULTS: We found that the balance between pathogenic bacteria and probiotics enhanced the migration, osteogenic differentiation, and cell proliferation of MSCs. Additionally, local inoculation of the mixture of L. reuteri and P. gingivalis promoted the process of wound healing in mice. Mechanistically, we found that LPS in P. gingivalis could activate NLRP3 inflammasome and inhibit function of MSCs, thereby accelerating MSC dysfunction and delaying wound healing. Furthermore, we also found that reuterin was the effective ingredient in L. reuteri which maintained the balance of pathogenic bacteria and probiotics by neutralizing LPS in P. gingivalis, thus inhibiting inflammation and promoting wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the homeostasis of oral microbiomes played an indispensable role in maintaining oral heath, provided hopeful methods for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, and had some referential value for other systemic diseases caused by dysfunction of microbiota and MSCs.

Presentación faríngea de la sífilis secundaria: a propósito de un caso / Pharyngeal presentation of secondary syphilis: a case report

RESUMEN La sífilis es una infección de transmisión sexual causada por la bacteria Treponema pallidum. En los últimos años ha habido un aumento en la incidencia de esta enfermedad debido a la creciente infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) e inmunodepresión. Conocida como "la gran imitadora" son muchos los signos y síntomas que puede simular, siendo la presentación orofaríngea infrecuente. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 31 años de edad que acude a nuestro servicio por clínica de otitis media serosa bilateral. En la exploración física se objetiva una masa en cavum y una ulceración en pared faríngea posterior que se biopsia en consultas externas siendo el resultado un intenso infiltrado inflamatorio crónico de probable origen infeccioso, por lo que se decidió tomar una nueva biopsia bajo anestesia general. El día de la intervención, el paciente refirió la aparición de un exantema eritematoso generalizado, pero de predominio palmo-plantar. Interrogado sobre sus antecedentes, el paciente reconoció conductas sexuales de riesgo y ser portador VIH, por lo que se orientó el diagnóstico hacia una probable sífilis secundaria que se confirmó posteriormente mediante serología. Las lesiones de orofaringe, la masa del cavum y el exantema remitieron con tratamiento antibiótico y corticoideo pautado. Cuando las manifestaciones de cabeza y cuello constituyen la presentación inicial de la sífilis, su diagnóstico se retrasa con frecuencia debido al desconocimiento por parte del médico de primaria, e incluso del otorrinolaringólogo, de las formas típicas de presentación en esta localización. Su diagnóstico precoz es fundamental para prevenir la extensión de la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Over the last years there has been an increase of the incidence of this disease due to the growing infection by the human inmunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the inmunosupression. Known as "the great imitator", there are many signs and symptoms that can simulate, being the oropharyngeal presentation infrequent. We present the case of a 31-year-old man who came to our service for bilateral otitis media. Physical examination revealed a mass in the cavum and ulceration in the posterior pharyngeal wall that was biopsied in the outpatient clinic. The result was an intense chronic inflammatory infiltrate of probable infectious origin, so it was decided to take a new biopsy under general anesthesia. On the day of the intervention, the patient reported the appearance of a generalized erythematous rash, but predominantly on the bottoms of the feet and on the palms of the hands. Questioned about his background, the patient recognized risky sexual behavior and being an HIV carrier, so the diagnosis was oriented towards a probable secondary syphilis that was subsequently confirmed by serology. The ulcerations of the oropharynx, the mass of the cavum and the rash subsided with antibiotic treatment and corticoid regimen. When the manifestations of the head and neck are the initial presentation of syphilis, its diagnosis is often delayed due to the lack of knowledge of the physicians of the typical presentation forms in this location. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent the spread of the disease and its complications.

Importance of rapid management in painful progressive ulcerative lesions in elderly immunosuppressed patients: Two case reports.

Oral manifestations of tuberculosis (TB) are not so frequent, and the lesions may emerge in immunosuppressed patients as a secondary expression of pulmonary TB. The following two case reports focus on the clinical challenge of early diagnosis of painful ulcerative lesions in oral mucosa that occurred in two senior females, both human immunodeficiency virus negative patients, however receiving immunosuppressing medication. The patients did not present classic symptoms of TB. Nevertheless, based on different studies, extrapulmonary TB should still be considered as differential diagnosis for the oral mucosa lesions developed by these patients.

Histoplasmosis of the head and neck in the immunocompetent patient: Report of 2 cases.

Histoplasmosis of the head and neck is rarely seen in immunocompetent patients. We report 2 new cases of histoplasmosis of the head and neck in immunocompetent patients, one an 80-year-old man and the other a 57-year-old man. The older man presented with oral cavity histoplasmosis; his symptoms included pain, dysphagia, and ulcerative lesions. The younger man had laryngeal histoplasmosis, which resulted in hoarseness and dyspnea. We discuss the methods of diagnosis and the classic findings in histoplasmosis, including the microscopic appearance of caseating granulomas, the results of periodic acid-Schiff staining and Gomori staining, and antibody detection of histoplasmosis. We also review the treatment options with antifungals, including amphotericin B and the oral conazole drugs. With an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, both of our patients recovered well and their symptoms resolved. Because their symptoms overlapped with those of other, more common disease processes, an accurate diagnosis of these patients was essential to treating their infection.

A Case Report of Mucormycosis with Palatal Ulcer: A Rare Clinical Dilemma.

Mucormycosis represents a group of life-threatening infections caused by fungi of the order mucorales of subphylum mucormycotina (formely known as the class zygomycetes). It is highly invasive and progressive disease resulting in higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Newer therapies have declined the rates of mortality. Early initiation of therapy often before confirmation of the diagnosis is necessary to optimize outcomes. Here, we report a case of mucormycosis with palatal ulcer in a 63-year male patient, which is a rare anatomic site for the occurrence of mucormycosis or is a rare clinical presentation. The patient was successfully treated with surgical debridement and amphotericin B.

Chronic non-healing ulcer of the oral cavity: tuberculosis or carcinoma?

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis is a chronic granulomatous lesion, which primarily has an affinity for the lungs. It can involve other sites like lymph nodes, kidney, oral cavity. Infection of the oral cavity by M. tuberculosis can be as a Primary infection or as a Secondary infection. Primary presentation of oral tuberculosis is in the form of the chronic non healing ulcer. A Primary infection or an Asymptomatic Secondary infection can impose a great diagnostic dilemma, as it may mimic neoplasia. Here we present a case of a 32-year-old asymptomatic female with secondary infection.

Study of virulence factor of Candida species in oral lesions and its association with potentially malignant and malignant lesions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the association between malignant and premalignant lesions and the virulence factor profile of Candida spp. recovered from different oral lesions. DESIGN: Candida spp. isolated from malignant lesions (squamous cell carcinoma, OC, n = 25), atypical lichen planus (AL, n = 11), chronic candidiasis (CC, n = 25), and asymptomatic carriers (WI, n = 15, control strains.) Isolates were identified in chromogenic medium, colony morphology and biochemical tests. The lipolytic and proteinase activity was determined on supplemented agar with olive oil and BSA, respectively. The biofilm formation with XTT reduction assay and cellular surface hydrophobicity (CSH) by water-hydrocarbon method were performed. RESULTS: All isolates recovered from oral lesions produced the four virulence factors studied with significantly higher levels than in WI isolates. Interestingly, lipolytic activity was absent in WI isolates. The proteolytic activity was similar in AL and OC isolates. OC isolates showed significantly higher CSH values than other clinical isolates. Non-albicans species showed higher biofilm formation than C.albicans (P = 0.03.) There were no significant differences in virulence factors among species. A strong positive correlation was found between proteinase and lipase activity (r = 0.90, P < 0.0001), and between hydrophobicity and biofilm (R = 0.81, P < 0.0001.) CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that OC Candida isolates exhibited a significant higher attributes of virulence than other lesions fungus isolates, providing evidence about the association between Candida pathogenicity and lesions severity.

Topical chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine and erythromycin in the repair of traumatic ulcers on the rat tongue: Clinical, histological and microbiological evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of topical application of 0.12% chlorhexidine, 10% povidone-iodine and 50% erythromycin on the optimization of healing process of traumatic ulcers made on ventral tongue of rats. DESIGN: Forty-Eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, chlorhexidine (Chx), povidone-iodine (PvI) and erythromycin (Er). An ulcer of 5 mm in diameter was made on the ventral tongue of the animals. After 24 h, a microbiological sample was taken and daily application of the substances started. Six animals each group were euthanized at 4 days and the others at 8 days postoperative, totaling three and seven days of treatment. Prior to euthanasia, a new microbiological collection was performed. RESULTS: The experimental groups showed less area of residual ulcer. A significant difference was seen between the PvI and Chx in relation to the control after three days of treatment (p < 0.05). Although the experimental groups displayed greater newly formed epithelial area, there was no significant difference compared to the control (p > 0.05). Er exhibed the lowest inflammation scores after seven days of treatment (p < 0.05). PvI showed reduction of microorganisms at both times and under aerobic (p < 0.01 at 3 days and p < 0.001 at 7 days) and microaerophilic (p < 0.05) conditions. Er significantly reduced the count of microorganisms in aerobic condition when compared to control group (p < 0.05 at 3 days and p < 0.01 at 7 days). CONCLUSIONS: All drugs promoted reduction of the microorganisms at the site of the injury, which may have a direct effect on the tissue repair process.

[Actinomycosis revealed by ulceration of the palate and gingiva]. / Actinomycose révélée par une ulcération du palais et de la gencive.

BACKGROUND: Actinomycosis is a chronic and extensive granulomatous, bacterial infection. Revelation by oral ulceration is rare. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 76-year-old patient with diabetes was treated with dabrafenib for stage IV melanoma. A follow-up visit revealed two ulcerated, infiltrated and hyperalgesic lesions of the palate and gingiva. There were no associated signs. The laboratory findings were normal. The possibility of squamous cell carcinoma occurring with BRAF inhibitors was discussed, despite the rarity of such cases in the literature. Histological examination showed an actinomycotic grain. A scan of the facial mass showed no osteitis. Antimicrobial therapy was initiated with amoxicillin for four months, with a favorable outcome. DISCUSSION: Actinomycetes are Gram-positive filamentous saprophytic bacteria of the oral cavity and the gastrointestinal tract. They can become pathogenic under the influence of several factors. Cervicofacial involvement in the form of a peri-mandibular inflammatory nodule with secondary fistulation on the skin or in the mouth is the classic presentation. To our knowledge, no cases of opportunistic infection under BRAF inhibitors have been described. Only two cases of tuberculosis have been reported with sorafenib. The initial presentation led to suspicion of squamous cell carcinoma. In our patient, poor oral hygiene and diabetes were the two key factors considered. Moreover, this is the first case reported under dabrafenib, which does not appear to be a favoring factor. We would stress the importance of mucosal examination in patients treated with BRAF inhibitors.

Oral manifestation of histoplasmosis on the palate.

This case report describes an uncommon manifestation of histoplasmosis on the soft palate. The importance of appropriate treatment and follow-up in complex cases is emphasized, especially in patients with chronic diseases. Oral lesions may occur as multiple, granular and painful ulcers, as well as verrucous growths. Lesions may also be deep, with infiltrative edges and erythematous or with white areas, accompanied by local lymphadenopathy, resembling a carcinoma on clinical examination. In this sense, a fast and accurate diagnosis is essential to the success of treatment of oral histoplasmosis.

ENT infection caused by Raoultella ornithinolytica.

Raoultella ornithinolytica is an encapsulated gram-negative aerobic bacillus belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is one of the three species of Raoultella. Human infections related to R. ornithinolytica are exceedingly rare. This case report describes an ENT infection caused by R. ornithinolytica successfully treated with antibiotic therapy.