<i>Candida</i> Infections: The Role of Saliva in Oral Health—A Narrative Review
<i>Candida</i> species, particularly <i>Candida albicans</i>, are causative agents of oral infections to which immunocompromised patients are especially susceptible. Reduced saliva flow (xerostomia) can lead to <i>Candida</i> overgrowth, as saliva contains antibac...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Microorganisms |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/4/717 |
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| Summary: | <i>Candida</i> species, particularly <i>Candida albicans</i>, are causative agents of oral infections to which immunocompromised patients are especially susceptible. Reduced saliva flow (xerostomia) can lead to <i>Candida</i> overgrowth, as saliva contains antibacterial components such as histatins and β-defensins that inhibit fungal growth and adhesion to the oral mucosa. <i>Candida</i> adheres to host tissues, forms biofilms, and secretes enzymes required for tissue invasion and immune evasion. Secretory asparaginyl proteinases (Saps) and candidalysin, a cytolytic peptide toxin, are vital to <i>Candida</i> virulence, and agglutinin-like sequence (Als) proteins are crucial for adhesion, invasion, and biofilm formation. <i>C. albicans</i> is a risk factor for dental caries and may increase periodontal disease virulence when it coexists with <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i>. <i>Candida</i> infections have been suggested to heighten the risk of oral cancer based on a relationship between <i>Candida</i> species and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) or oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD). Meanwhile, β-glucan in the <i>Candida</i> cell wall has antitumor effects. In addition, <i>Candida</i> biofilms protect viruses such as herpesviruses and coxsackieviruses. Understanding the intricate interactions between <i>Candida</i> species, host immune responses, and coexisting microbial communities is essential for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies against oral <i>Candida</i> infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-2607 |