Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025
Author Spotlight: Oral Candida Diagnosis to Advance Clinical Treatment Regimen for pSS Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
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.
Introduction:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Since immune system plays a key role in this disease, patients with MS can present higher risk of infections.
Purpose:
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Candida spp. in the oral cavity of MS patients in relation to a control group METHODS: In total, 100 individuals were selected: 55 diagnosed with MS and 45 healthy individuals (control group). Saliva samples were collected and seeded in culture media selecting for Candida. Following an incubation period of 48 h, colony-forming units (CFU mL-1) were counted and colonies were isolated for Candida species identification by multiplex PCR. The results were analysed by chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U statistical tests considering a significance level of 5%.
Results:
Candida spp. were confirmed in the oral cavity of 50.09% patients in the MS group and 35.55% individuals in the control group. In individuals positive for the growth of Candida spp., the median values of Candida colonies were 220 CFU mL-1 for the MS group and 120 CFU mL-1 for the control group. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between groups for both prevalence and CFU mL-1 count. Of the Candida species identified, 73.91% were C. albicans, 21.73% C. glabrata, 2.17% C. tropicalis, and 2.17% C. krusei.
Conclusions:
The colonization of Candida spp. in the oral cavity of individuals with multiple sclerosis was higher than in the control group; however these findings were not proven to be statistically significant.
Insights
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.
