Association between Oral Streptococcus Mutans Counts and Proteinuria in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Oral Microbiology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Chlorhexidine mouthwash is a common antimicrobial agent for reducing oral bacteria.
• The impact of mouthwash on systemic conditions in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is not well understood.
• Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a key oral bacterium.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between oral S. mutans abundance and proteinuria in patients with CKD.
• To explore the potential effects of chlorhexidine mouthwash on these parameters.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 57 CKD patients using chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash three times daily for 1 year.
• Monitoring changes in S. mutans colony-forming units (CFU) in saliva and proteinuria levels.
• Analyzing the association between S. mutans counts and proteinuria over time.

Main Results:

• Higher baseline S. mutans CFU (≥10^3/mL) correlated with increased proteinuria and S. mutans levels over time.
• A significant decrease in both S. mutans counts and proteinuria was observed after 12 months of mouthwash use.
• Patients with lower S. mutans counts (<10^3 CFU/mL) after 12 months showed a significantly higher rate of proteinuria <0.3 g/g creatinine.

Conclusions:

• A potential association exists between oral S. mutans counts and proteinuria in CKD patients.
• Chlorhexidine mouthwash may influence proteinuria levels by reducing S. mutans.
• Larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.