Vitamin D deficiency and oral candidiasis in patients with HIV infection: A case‒control study.

BACKGROUND: Oral candidiasis is a common opportunistic infection in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In addition, most of these patients suffer from vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and oral candidiasis in patients with HIV infection. METHODS: This case‒control study was conducted on HIV-infected patients. Cases were patients with oral candidiasis diagnosed based on physical examinations. Controls were age- and sex-matched individuals without oral candidiasis. The levels of 25-OH vitamin D and other laboratory markers (CD4 count and viral load) were compared between the case and control groups. RESULTS: A total of 104 cases and 102 controls were included in the study. The cases had significantly lower 25-OH vitamin D3 levels (MD = 33.86 ng/mL, 95% CI= (31.85, 35.87), P < 0.001) and CD4 counts (MD = 267.48 cells/mm3, 95% CI= (189.55, 345.41), P < 0.001) than the controls. In addition, viral load was significantly higher in cases than in controls (MD = 7.03 × 105 copies/mL, 95% CI= (4.46 × 105, 9.61 × 105), P < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that educational status (OR = 0.032, 95% CI= (0.002, 0.100), P < 0.001), current HAART (OR = 0.005, 95% CI= (0.001, 0.014), P < 0.001), history of oral candidiasis (OR = 20.114, 95% CI= (18.135, 21.957), P < 0.001), CD4 count (OR = 0.004, 95% CI= (0.001, 0.006), P < 0.001), viral load (OR = 12.181, 95% CI= (1.108, 133.392), P < 0.001), and vitamin D level (OR = 0.011, 95% CI= (0.008, 0.015), P < 0.001) were significantly associated with the risk of developing oral candidiasis. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, most patients with HIV infection suffer from vitamin D deficiency, especially those with oral candidiasis. Hypovitaminosis D was significantly associated with an increased risk of oral candidiasis. Thus, vitamin D supplementation may assist HIV-positive patients in improving their oral health and preventing oral candidiasis.

Resting saliva volume as a risk factor for hypogeusia: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The causes of hypogeusia include zinc deficiency, systemic illness, and consumption of drugs. Notably, patients with oral cavity diseases such as oral candidiasis and salivary gland hypofunction may present with risk factors that remain unreported. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between age, sex, smoking status, serum zinc concentration, oral candidiasis, saliva volume, and taste function in patients with hypogeusia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Overall, 335 participants who complained of taste abnormalities underwent a taste test. Based on the recognition threshold value, the participants were classified as normal individuals (recognition threshold of 1 and 2) and patients with hypogeusia (recognition threshold of ≥3). The clinical characteristics, including resting saliva volume (RSV) and stimulated saliva volume (SSV), were compared, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis focusing on RSV was performed. RESULTS: Patients with hypogeusia had a lower RSV than normal individuals for all tastes, but not for SSV. Based on the results of regression analysis, RSV was identified as an independent predictor of hypogeusia for salty and bitter tastes. Moreover, the proportion of patients with decreased RSV increased as the number of taste qualities exceeding the reference recognition threshold increased. Furthermore, a decrease in RSV was associated with an increase in the recognition threshold for salty and bitter tastes. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the present study, moisturizing the oral cavity may be useful against hypogeusia.

Patient Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus with Gingival Pain and Oral Soreness (Red and White Lesions).

A 34-year-old male patient with poorly controlled HIV/AIDS presented with symptoms consistent with oral candidiasis and necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. He was treated with systemic antifungal agent and topical and systemic antibiotics.

Associated oral manifestations with HIV southeastern Brazilian patients on antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of oral lesions in patients living with HIV infection and their association with CD4 count, viral load, and antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 161 patients attending the… All the patients were examined for their oral lesions, current CD4 counts, type, and duration of the therapy. Data analyses were carried out using Chi-Square, Student T/Mann-Whitney, and logistic regression tests. RESULTS: Oral lesions were observed in 58.39% of patients with HIV. Periodontal disease with 78 (48.45%) or without mobility 79 (49.07%) was observed more frequently, followed by hyperpigmentation of oral mucosa 23 (14.29%), Linear Gingival Erythema (LGE) 15 (9.32%), candidiasis pseudomembranous 14 (8.70%). Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL) was observed only in 3 (1.86%). A relationship between periodontal disease with dental mobility and smoking was found (p=0.04), as well duration of treatment (p=1.53e-3) and age (p=0.02). Hyperpigmentation was related to race (p=0.01) and smoking (p=1.30e-6). CD4 count, CD4:CD8 ratio, viral load, or type of treatment were not associated with oral lesions. Logistic regression showed that the duration of treatment has a protective effect on the periodontal disease with dental mobility (OR = 0.28 [-2.27 to -0.25]; p-value=0.03), independent of age or smoking. To hyperpigmentation, the best model included smoking (OR=8.47 [1.18-3.10], p= 1.31e-5), without race or type and duration of treatment. CONCLUSION: Among HIV patients undergoing antiretroviral treatment, oral lesions can be observed, predominantly periodontal disease. Pseudomembranous candidiasis and oral hairy leukoplakia were also observed. No relationship was found between associated oral manifestations in HIV patients and the start of the treatment, TCD4+ and TCD8+ cell count, TCD4:TCD8 ratio, or viral load. The data indicate that there is a protective effect of duration of treatment with relation to periodontal disease with mobility and that hyperpigmentation seems to be more related to smoking than type and duration of treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 (OCEBM Levels of Evidence Working Group*. "The Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence").

Management of Chronic Atrophic Candidiasis (Denture Stomatitis)-A Narrative Review.

One of the most common oral diseases affecting people wearing dentures is chronic atrophic candidiasis or denture stomatitis (DS). The aim of the paper is to provide an update on the pathogenesis, presentation, and management of DS in general dental practice settings. A comprehensive review of the literature published in the last ten years was undertaken using multiple databases, including PubMed via MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus. The eligible articles were analyzed to identify evidence-based strategies for the management of DS. Despite its multifactorial nature, the leading cause of DS is the development of oral Candida albicans biofilm, which is facilitated by poor oral and denture hygiene, long-term denture wear, ill-fitting dentures, and the porosity of the acrylic resin in the dentures. DS affects between 17 and 75% of the population wearing dentures, with a slight predominance in elderly females. The mucosal denture surfaces and posterior tongue are the common sites of DS, and the affected areas exhibit erythema, the swelling of the palatal mucosa and edema. Oral and denture hygiene protocols, adjusting or re-fabricating poorly adapting dentures, smoking cessation, avoiding nocturnal denture wear, and the administration of topical or systemic antifungals are the mainstay of management. Alternate treatments such as microwave disinfection, phytomedicine, photodynamic therapy, and incorporation of antifungals and nanoparticles into denture resins are being evaluated for the treatment of DS but require further evidence before routine use in clinical practice. In summary, DS is the most common oral inflammatory lesion experienced by denture wearers. Most patients with DS can be managed in general dental practice settings. Effective management by general dental practitioners may be supported by a thorough understanding of the pathogenesis, the recognition of the clinical presentation, and an awareness of contemporary treatment strategies.

Management of Denture Infection with Phytomedicine.

Natural teeth are an integral part of the masticatory system. Absence of dentition subjects the individual to compromised oral function, facial appearance and phonetics. Rehabilitation with dental prosthesis is imperative to restore form and masticatory activity. Currently, fabrication of removable and fixed prosthesis has become most predictable. Nonetheless, there is an increased prevalence of oral stomatitis observed over the years in edentulous individuals wearing removable dentures. Amongst the many pathogens that cause denture infections, Candida albicans is assumed to be the most virulent opportunistic agent. Different methods, such as mechanical, chemical, chemicmechanical, and pharmacological are tried to fight such infections. Regardless of various management strategies developed to treat denture stomatitis, the research continues to evolve the most optimal one. Improper oral and or denture hygiene maintenance, surface irregularities on denture, persistence of xerostomia and associated systemic illness pose risk for exaggeration of the disease. In extreme conditions, the development of aspiration pneumonia in geriatric patients is considered a threat to both dental and medical specialists. Therapeutic administration of synthetic anti-microbial drugs, along with meticulous oral hygiene maintenance are recommended protocols till date. However, limitations such as antibiotic resistance, side effects, counter drug reactions, cost of the medicaments predispose to origin of natural herbal products to treat denture stomatitis. Vast array of plant products are studied in previous literature, yet no definitive edge of one over the other is proven. This article intends to provide a mini-review on the different organic plant materials, also called as phytomedicines used for the treatment of candida associated denture stomatitis (CADS).

Biofilm formation of Candida isolates from xerostomic post-radiotherapy head and neck cancer patients.

Oral candidiasis is a common problem in post-radiation head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. While biofilm formation is a crucial virulence factor for Candida colonization, existing information on biofilm formation capability of Candida in cancer patients is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate biofilm formation capability of Candida spp. colonized in xerostomic post-radiotherapy HNC patients. DESIGN: Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species were previously isolated from xerostomic post-radiation cancer patients and healthy individuals. Biofilm mass and biofilm metabolic activity were investigated by crystal violet and MTT assays, respectively. Their relationship with clinical parameters was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: A total of 109 and 45 Candida isolates from 64 cancer patients and 34 controls, respectively, were evaluated. Both biofilm mass and metabolic activity of Candida isolates from cancer patients were higher than those from controls. The between-group differences were statistically significant in C. albicans (p < 0.001) for biofilm mass, and in C. tropicalis (p = 0.01) for biofilm metabolic activity. Overall, C. tropicalis was the best biofilm producers in both groups. Additionally, we found that higher biofilm formation among C. albicans was associated with low saliva buffering capacity. CONCLUSIONS: C. albicans and C. tropicalis isolated from xerostomic post-radiation cancer patients had higher biofilm formation capability than those from healthy individuals. Our findings suggest that, in addition to compromised host factors, higher biofilm formation capability may also contribute to the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis in HNC patients. This novel information potentially adds to proper management for these patients.

Oral candidiasis in patients with haematological diseases: Diagnosis through clinical and cytopathological examinations.

OBJECTIVE: This study is the first to analyse the prevalence of oral candidiasis in onco-haematological patients by physical and oral cytopathological examinations. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and observational study with a retrospective sample composed of participants hospitalised in the haematology clinic, who were diagnosed with haematological diseases. All participants received an oral mucosal examination and scraping from oral mucosa. RESULTS: Of the 62 participants, 56.5% were male and 82.3% were white, with mean age of 57 years. Lymphoma was the most common haematological disease (24.2%). In total, 48.4% of the sample was diagnosed with oral candidiasis. Of the participants with oral candidiasis, 13 (21.0%) had a clinical diagnosis. Cytopathological analysis revealed 17 more (27.4%) cases without oral lesions indicative of candidiasis. Erythematous candidiasis (P = 0.02), pseudomembranous candidiasis (P < 0.001), clinical candidiasis (P < 0.001), fibrous hyperplasia (P = 0.032), and coated tongue (P = 0.012) showed a correlation with a candidiasis cytopathological diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Oral candidiasis is common among patients with haematological disease, and the cytopathological examination proved to be a useful tool, confirming clinical diagnosis of candidiasis and identifying subclinical cases. These data are of great relevance considering the possible complications that these patients may develop, such as longer hospitalisations, worsening of the general condition or even death due to candidemia.

Experimental animal models for denture stomatitis: A methodological review.

Denture stomatitis is the most prevalent form of oral candidiasis and the most frequent oral lesion in removable prosthesis wearers. It is characterized by an inflammatory response of the denture-bearing mucosa, especially the palatal mucosa, and its clinical signs include chronic edema and erythema, and papillary hyperplasia. Despite having a multifactorial etiology, its main etiological agent is the infection by Candida albicans. Given its high treatment failure rates, an in vivo model of denture stomatitis should be established to test alternative treatments. The aim of this study is to review the existing denture stomatitis models and to provide an overview of the main methodological differences between them. Over the last 40 years, different animal models were developed in order to study denture stomatitis etiopathogenesis and to assess novel therapies. Many approaches, including the use of antibiotics and immunosuppressors, have to be further investigated in order to establish which protocol is more appropriate and effective for the development of an animal model of denture stomatitis.

Pseudomembranous oral candidiasis resolved with a mouthwash containing 0.05% chlorhexidine + 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride.

A 50-year-old woman was referred to the clinic reporting oral discomfort during the previous month and plaques of a white removable slough. Diagnosis of pseudomembranous oral candidiasis was clinically confirmed. When the tongue and palatal mucosa were wiped with gauze, the soft yellowish-white slough detached revealing the erythematous surface beneath. The patient also presented paranoid schizophrenia and severe depression, pulmonary emphysema, and two vertebral hernias. She was a smoker (10 cigarettes per day) with xerostomia that was being treated with: bupropion, reboxetine, quetiapine, trazadone clotiapine, pregabalin, fentanyl (patches), and alprazolam. To minimize the risk of potential drug interactions, a mouthwash containing 0.05% chlorhexidine + 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride was prescribed three times a day for two weeks. At the end of the two weeks, the candidiasis had abated.

Potential Pathogenicity of Candida Species Isolated from Oral Cavity of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: In the recent decade, the increased immunocompromised population such as diabetic patients makes a high incidence of invasive Candida infections. Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine metabolic disorder, and diabetic patients are more susceptible to oral candidiasis infection. Candidiasis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by many species of Candida. Secretion of exoenzymes plays an important role in the virulence and pathogenesis of Candida species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of phospholipase, esterase, and hemolytic activity of Candida species isolated from oral cavity lesions of diabetic patients. METHODS: A total of 108 Candida species including 75 Candida albicans and 33 non-Candida albicans species were recovered from the oral cavity of diabetic patients included in our study. Egg yolk agar, Tween 80 opacity medium, and blood agar plate assays were used for determining phospholipase, esterase, and hemolytic activities, respectively. RESULTS: Candida albicans species had the most exoenzyme activity in comparison to non-albicans isolates. Candida albicans isolates showed 97.3%, 100%, and 77.3% phospholipase, hemolysin, and esterase activities, respectively. The difference between Candida albicans and non-Candida albicans was significant in phospholipase (P < 0.001) and hemolytic activity (P = 0.027), but not significant in esterase activity (P = 0.076). CONCLUSION: This study showed that most of the isolates had different enzymatic patterns, and Candida albicans isolates had the most exoenzyme activity. So due to the potential effects of these enzymes in pathogenesis and virulence effects of Candida species, we can conclude that the severity of extracellular enzymes may play a role in the severity of signs and symptoms of Candida oral cavity infections in diabetic patients.

Efficacy and acceptability of different anti-fungal interventions in oropharyngeal or esophageal candidiasis in HIV co-infected adults: a pilot network meta-analysis.

Background: Oropharyngeal/esophageal candidiasis are the most common opportunistic infections observed in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While the commonly recommended treatment is fluconazole, relapse of oropharyngeal or esophageal candidiasis has been gradually increasing in recent decades.Methods: The current network meta-analysis (NMA) included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy and acceptability (i.e. drop-out rate) of different anti-fungal interventions against oropharyngeal or esophageal candidiasis in adults with HIV. All NMA procedures were conducted using the frequentist model.Results: Twenty-seven RCTs and 6277 participants were included. For oropharyngeal candidiasis, photosensitizer-based antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with laser irradiation plus methylene blue was associated with the highest cure rate and the lowest relapse rate among the investigated interventions [odds ratio (OR) = 6.82, 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) = 0.19 to 244.42, p = 0.293, and OR = 0.03, 95%CIs = 0.00 to 0.77, p = 0.034, compared to fluconazole]. None of the investigated anti-fungal interventions were superior to fluconazole for esophageal candidiasis in respect of cure rates/relapse rates. All investigated anti-fungal interventions were well-accepted.Conclusions: aPDT could be the preferred strategy to manage oropharyngeal candidiasis; however the evidence for esophageal candidiasis still remained inconclusive.

Oral candidiasis prevalence in human immunodeficiency virus-1 and pulmonary tuberculosis coinfection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infected people are more likely to develop tuberculosis (TB), being the leading cause of death in HIV-1. Candida spp has emerged as potential pathogenic fungi in patients with HIV and bronchopulmonary diseases. This systematic review summarizes the available data on the occurrence of oral candidiasis (OC) in the HIV-1/pulmonary tuberculosis (pTB) coinfection. METHODS: Articles that reported the occurrence of OC in the HIV-1-pTB coinfection were searched in eight databases. Observational studies that evaluated the association between OC and HIV-1-pTB coinfection were selected. The risk of bias was assessed using the meta-analysis of statistics assessment and review instrument (MAStARI) checklist. RESULTS: From a total of 1858 records, after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, six were included in the meta-analysis. Three studies were at low risk, one at moderate risk, and two at high risk of bias. Considerable heterogeneity across the studies was identified. Meta-analyses performed showed no difference in the prevalence of OC between HIV-1 patients with and without pTB coinfection (odds ratio M-H = 1.77; 95% CI = 0.69 to 4.52). CONCLUSION: There is no association between OC and HIV-1/pTB coinfection. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019128735.

Caregivers' report of HIV-associated oral manifestations among HIV-unexposed, exposed, and infected Kenyan children.

BACKGROUND: Few oral health studies have been conducted in HIV-exposed uninfected children, who, like their HIV-infected peers, have altered immunity and perinatal drug exposures. AIM: To compare caregiver' self-report of oral diseases, hygiene practices and utilization of routine dental care, between HIV-infected (HIV), HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU), and HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) children in Kenya. DESIGN: This nested cross-sectional study was conducted at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. Caregivers of 196 children (104 HIV-infected, 55 HEU, and 37 HUU) participated in this study. Using a validated questionnaire from the WHO and photographs of HIV-related oral lesions, we collected data on oral diseases and oral health practices. RESULTS: Caregivers of HIV-infected children reported at least one oral disease in their children (42%; HEU [27%]; HUU [17%; P = .008]). Oral candidiasis was the most common disease reported (HIV-infected [24%], HEU [5.5%], and HUU [2.8%; P < .05]). Baseline CD4% was associated with oral candidiasis (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.98). Only 16% of children had ever visited a dentist, and most initiated brushing after 3 years of age (83%). Nearly all (98%) caregivers desired a follow-up oral examination. CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection/exposure and low CD4% were associated with increased odds of oral diseases. Most caregivers desired a follow-up oral examination for their children.

Enzyme production by Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis in periodontal HIV-positive patients receiving and not receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Candida dubliniensis (Cd) and Candida albicans (Ca) are the most frequently isolated yeasts in HIV+ patients. Some of the enzymes produced by these yeasts are considered virulence factors since they contribute to pathogenicity of Candida spp. The aim of the present study was to compare production of enzymes such as phospholipase (Ph), proteinase (P), and hemolysin (H) by Cd and Ca strains isolated from periodontal HIV-positive patients receiving and not receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Subgingival biofilm samples were obtained using paper points, and a sample of oral mucosa was taken using a swab. Phenotypic and molecular methods were used to isolate 39 strains of Candida, including 25 strains of Cd and 14 strains of Ca, obtained from 33 periodontal pocket samples and 6 oral mucosa samples collected from 15 HIV+ patients (8 receiving and 7 not receiving HAART). Malt egg-yolk agar, albumin agar and blood agar were used to evaluate pH, P and H production respectively. The strains were inoculated in duplicate and incubated at 37 ºC. Colony and halo diameters were measured. A greater proportion of Ca was observed in patients not receiving HAART, and a higher proportion of Cd was observed in those under HAART, Chi2 p< 0.001. Phospholipase production was observed in 92.9% percent of isolated Ca strains but in none of the isolated Cd strains. Proteinase production was high in Ca and Cd strains isolated from patients not receiving HAART. Hemolysin production was observed in all the studied strains, though it was significantly higher (p=0.04) in Ca and Cd strains isolated from patients not receiving HAART. To sum up, the proportion of Candida dubliniensis strains was highest in the subgingival biofilm of patients receiving HAART, and Cd strains were found to express fewer virulence factors than Ca strains.

Las levaduras más aisladas en pacientes VIH+ son Candida dubliniensis (Cd) y Candida albicans (Ca). Algunas de sus enzimas constituyen factores de virulencia ya que favorecen la diseminación tisular. El objetivo fue comparar la producción de enzimas como fosfolipasa (F), proteinasa (P) y hemolisina (H) en cepas de Cd y Ca aisladas de pacientes VIH+ tratados y no tratados con antirretrovirales (TARGA). Se realizó la toma del biofilm de placa subgingival con conos de papel y la muestra de la mucosa bucal con hisopo. Se aislaron y tipificaron por métodos fenotípicos y moleculares 39 cepas: 25 de Cd y 14 Ca, obtenidas 33 de bolsas periodontales y 6 de mucosa bucal de 15 pacientes VIH+ (8 con y 7 sin tratamiento). Se utilizó agar malta con yema de huevo, agar albúmina y agar sangre para demostrar la producción de F, P y H, respectivamente. Se inocularon por duplicado e incubaron a 37°C. Se midieron los diámetros de las colonias y los de hidrólisis alrededor de las mismas. Se observó mayor proporción de Ca en los pacientes sin tratamiento y mayor proporción de Cd en los con tratamiento; Chi2 p< 0.001. El 92,9% de las Ca estudiadas, fueron productoras de fosfolipasa. En tanto que ninguna Cd produjo la enzima. En cuanto a la producción de proteinasa se observa una alta producción tanto en las cepas de Ca, como en las Cd aisladas en los pacientes no tratados. Todas las cepas estudiadas produjeron hemolisina, observándose una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p=0,04) en ambas especies a favor de la alta producción de la enzima en las cepas obtenidas de pacientes no tratados. Podemos concluir que en el biofilm subgingival, en los pacientes bajo TARGA, se aíslan mayor proporción de Candida dubliniensis las cuales expresan menos factores de virulencia.

Enzyme production by Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis in periodontal HIV-positive patients receiving and not receiving antiretroviral therapy / Producción enzimática de Candida albicans y Candida dubliniensis de pacientes con periodontitis VIH+ con y sin tratamiento antirretroviral

ABSTRACT Candida dubliniensis (Cd) and Candida albicans (Ca) are the most frequently isolated yeasts in HIV+ patients. Some of the enzymes produced by these yeasts are considered virulence factors since they contribute to pathogenicity of Candida spp. The aim of the present study was to compare production of enzymes such as phospholipase (Ph), proteinase (P), and hemolysin (H) by Cd and Ca strains isolated from periodontal HIV-positive patients receiving and not receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Subgingival biofilm samples were obtained using paper points, and a sample of oral mucosa was taken using a swab. Phenotypic and molecular methods were used to isolate 39 strains of Candida, including 25 strains of Cd and 14 strains of Ca, obtained from 33 periodontal pocket samples and 6 oral mucosa samples collected from 15 HIV+ patients (8 receiving and 7 not receiving HAART). Malt egg-yolk agar, albumin agar and blood agar were used to evaluate pH, P and H production respectively. The strains were inoculated in duplicate and incubated at 37 ºC. Colony and halo diameters were measured. A greater proportion of Ca was observed in patients not receiving HAART, and a higher proportion of Cd was observed in those under HAART, Chi2 p< 0.001. Phospholipase production was observed in 92.9% percent of isolated Ca strains but in none of the isolated Cd strains. Proteinase production was high in Ca and Cd strains isolated from patients not receiving HAART. Hemolysin production was observed in all the studied strains, though it was significantly higher (p=0.04) in Ca and Cd strains isolated from patients not receiving HAART. To sum up, the proportion of Candida dubliniensis strains was highest in the subgingival biofilm of patients receiving HAART, and Cd strains were found to express fewer virulence factors than Ca strains.

RESUMEN Las levaduras más aisladas en pacientes VIH+ son Candida dubliniensis (Cd) y Candida albicans (Ca). Algunas de sus enzimas constituyen factores de virulencia ya que favorecen la diseminación tisular. El objetivo fue comparar la producción de enzimas como fosfolipasa (F), proteinasa (P) y hemolisina (H) en cepas de Cd y Ca aisladas de pacientes VIH+ tratados y no tratados con antirretrovirales (TARGA). Se realizó la toma del biofilm de placa subgingival con conos de papel y la muestra de la mucosa bucal con hisopo. Se aislaron y tipificaron por métodos fenotípicos y moleculares 39 cepas: 25 de Cd y 14 Ca, obtenidas 33 de bolsas periodontales y 6 de mucosa bucal de 15 pacientes VIH+ (8 con y 7 sin tratamiento). Se utilizó agar malta con yema de huevo, agar albúmina y agar sangre para demostrar la producción de F, P y H, respectivamente. Se inocularon por duplicado e incubaron a 37°C. Se midieron los diámetros de las colonias y los de hidrólisis alrededor de las mismas. Se observó mayor proporción de Ca en los pacientes sin tratamiento y mayor proporción de Cd en los con tratamiento; Chi2 p< 0.001. El 92,9% de las Ca estudiadas, fueron productoras de fosfolipasa. En tanto que ninguna Cd produjo la enzima. En cuanto a la producción de proteinasa se observa una alta producción tanto en las cepas de Ca, como en las Cd aisladas en los pacientes no tratados. Todas las cepas estudiadas produjeron hemolisina, observándose una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p=0,04) en ambas especies a favor de la alta producción de la enzima en las cepas obtenidas de pacientes no tratados. Podemos concluir que en el biofilm subgingival, en los pacientes bajo TARGA, se aíslan mayor proporción de Candida dubliniensis las cuales expresan menos factores de virulencia.

Opportunistic Fungal Infections in the Epidemic Area of COVID-19: A Clinical and Diagnostic Perspective from Iran.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emerged in Wuhan, China, in late 2109, and has rapidly spread around the world. Until May 25, 2020, there were 133,521 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 7359 deaths in Iran. The role of opportunistic fungal infections in the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 patients remains less defined. Based on our multicenter experiences, we categorized the risks of opportunistic fungal infections in COVID-19 patients in Iran. The COVID-19 patients at high risk included those with acute respiratory distress syndrome, in intensive care units, receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics, immunosuppressants or corticosteroid, and supported by invasive or noninvasive ventilation. The patients were most likely to develop pulmonary aspergillosis, oral candidiasis, or pneumocystis pneumonia. Most diagnoses were probable as the accurate diagnosis of opportunistic fungal infections remains challenging in resource-poor settings. We summarize the clinical signs and laboratory tests needed to confirm candidiasis, aspergillosis, or pneumocystosis in our COVID-19 patients.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis in hospitalised COVID-19 patients from Iran: Species identification and antifungal susceptibility pattern.

BACKGROUND: Emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major healthcare threat. Apparently, the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is armed by special abilities to spread and dysregulate the immune mechanisms. The likelihood of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) development in COVID-19 patients with a list of attributable risk factors for oral infections has not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVES: We here aim to investigate the prevalence, causative agents and antifungal susceptibility pattern of OPC in Iranian COVID-19 patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 53 hospitalised COVID-19 patients with OPC were studied. Relevant clinical data were mined. Strain identification was performed by 21-plex PCR and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2). Antifungal susceptibility testing to fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, caspofungin, micafungin and anidulafungin was performed according to the CLSI broth dilution method. RESULTS: In 53 COVID-19 patients with OPC, cardiovascular diseases (52.83%) and diabetes (37.7%) were the principal underlying conditions. The most common risk factor was lymphopaenia (71%). In total, 65 Candida isolates causing OPC were recovered. C albicans (70.7%) was the most common, followed by C glabrata (10.7%), C dubliniensis (9.2%), C parapsilosis sensu stricto (4.6%), C tropicalis (3%) and Pichia kudriavzevii (=C krusei, 1.5%). Majority of the Candida isolates were susceptible to all three classes of antifungal drugs. CONCLUSION: Our data clarified some concerns regarding the occurrence of OPC in Iranian COVID-19 patients. Further studies should be conducted to design an appropriate prophylaxis programme and improve management of OPC in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Antifungal susceptibility of oral isolates of Candida species from chronic kidney disease patients on chronic dialysis.

Chronic renal disease patients under chronic dialysis (CRDD) have a multifactorial immunological deterioration with an increased risk of Candida infections. Incidence of Candida infections is increasing. Choice of suitable antifungal agents is limited due to the resistance of some species to several antifungals. Aim of the present study was to identify the distribution and antifungal susceptibility patterns of oral isolated Candida species from infected and colonized patients, as well as to investigate the risk factors for oral infection in patients on dialysis. Cross-sectional study, approved by the institutional bioethics committees was performed in CRDD patients. Demographic, clinic data, and oral mucosa samples were obtained. Infection diagnosis was established clinically and confirmed with exfoliative cytology, each sample was plated on CHROMagar Candida and incubated at 36°C for 2 days. Yeast species were identified by carbohydrate assimilation ID 32C AUX system and the apiweb database. For the antifungal susceptibility test, the M44 A-3 method (CLSI) using fluconazole (FCZ), miconazole (MCZ), nystatin (NYS), and voriconazole (VCZ). Study included 119 participants, the main cause of CRD was nephropathy due to DM2 (58%), and three-fourths of the patients were under hemodialysis. Candida prevalence was 56.3% of 67 colonized or infected patients, 88 isolates were obtained. Principal identified species were C. albicans (51.1%), C. glabrata (25%), and C. tropicalis (14.8%). C. glabrata showed a reduced response to FCZ in 50% of isolates and C. albicans had a reduced response in 16% of the isolates. Antifungal agent with the least efficacious response or with the lowest susceptibility in the isolates of these patients was MCZ, followed by VCZ and FCZ, whereas NYS induced the best antifungal response.

Oral yeast colonization in patients with eating disorders: commensal acquisition or due to purgative habits?

Oral problems are common in patients diagnosed with Eating Disorders (ED) and still require better elucidation. We aimed to analyze the prevalence of oral Candida spp in individuals with ED. The sample of the study was comprised of 30 women with purgative habits and 15 without purgative habits. Samples of the oral cavity were collected by sterile cotton swab rubbed on soft tissues and teeth. Yeasts were isolated on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Yeasts were isolated from the oral cavity of 53% of the patients yielding 75 yeast isolates; of these, 43 were identified by conventional mycological methods: C. parapsilosis (n=19), C. glabrata (n=16), Rhodotorula sp (n= 6), C. famata (n=2). The remaining 32 isolates were presumptively identified as C. albicans or C. dubliniensis and required mass spectrometry for the final differentiation: 28 isolates were confirmed as C. albicans and four as C. dubliniensis. Among the control group, only four subjects (26.7%) were found to harbor C. albicans. The four C. dubliniensis isolates were from two patients, one that was only colonized and the other, with severe ED, was diagnosed with an oral candidiasis as demonstrated by the presence of pseudohyphae on the direct mycological exam from different sites. The increased rate of isolation of non-albicans species, such as C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. dubliniensis in the oral cavity from ED patients with nutritional deficiency may suggest that purgative habits of these patients can lead to changes in normal flora and predispose to oral candidiasis.