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Oral Colonization by Candida Species in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Eliana Tomomi Shimabukuro da Cunha1,2, Lívia Mara Alves Figueiredo-Godoi3, Diogo Haddad Santos2
1Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Francisco José Longo 777, São Dimas, São José dos Campos, SP, 12245-000, Brazil.
Mycopathologia
|August 29, 2020
Summary
Oral Candida colonization was higher in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients than controls, though not statistically significant. This study highlights potential oral health implications for MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oral Microbiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, increasing infection risk due to immune system involvement.
- Understanding opportunistic infections in MS patients is crucial for managing their overall health.
- Candida species are common oral inhabitants, but their prevalence may differ in immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Candida species in the oral cavities of multiple sclerosis patients.
- To compare oral Candida colonization rates between MS patients and a healthy control group.
- To identify specific Candida species found in the oral microbiome of MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Saliva samples were collected from 55 MS patients and 45 healthy controls.
- Samples were cultured to detect and quantify Candida colony-forming units (CFU mL⁻¹).
- Multiplex PCR was used for accurate identification of Candida species, with statistical analysis performed using chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests.
Main Results:
- Candida species were detected in 50.09% of MS patients and 35.55% of controls.
- Median Candida counts were higher in MS patients (220 CFU mL⁻¹) compared to controls (120 CFU mL⁻¹).
- No statistically significant differences were found in prevalence or CFU counts between the groups. Candida albicans was the most common species (73.91%).
Conclusions:
- Oral Candida colonization appears more frequent in multiple sclerosis patients than in healthy individuals.
- Despite observed differences, the increased prevalence and fungal load were not statistically significant.
- Further research may be needed to elucidate the clinical significance of oral Candida in MS.
