Comparative Effectiveness of Different Probiotic Delivery Methods in Oral Candidiasis: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Oral Health

Background:

• Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection primarily caused by Candida albicans.
• It disproportionately affects immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and denture wearers.
• Probiotics present potential antifungal benefits by modulating immunity and balancing oral microbiota.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effectiveness of various probiotic delivery methods in managing oral candidiasis.
• To assess the impact of probiotics on Candida colonization and clinical symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines was conducted.
• Searches included human clinical studies from Medline, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest.
• Outcomes measured were Candida load, microbiota changes, symptom improvement, and recurrence.

Main Results:

• Ten studies met inclusion criteria, investigating delivery methods like lozenges, capsules, yogurt, and cheese.
• Most studies reported reduced Candida colony-forming units (CFUs) and prevalence for both C. albicans and non-albicans species.
• Probiotics including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains showed efficacy, with some studies noting improved immunological markers and symptom relief, particularly when combined with antifungals.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics effectively reduce Candida colonization and symptoms of oral candidiasis.
• They demonstrate potential as adjunctive therapies for oral candidiasis.
• Further standardized, large-scale trials are necessary to optimize probiotic use and delivery methods.