The role of oral microbiota in the colonization and antifungal resistance of Candida spp.

Autorët

  • Evisa Isufaj Department of Dentistry, Albanian University
  • Fiona Nishani Department of Pharmacy, Albanian University.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55312/op.v17i1.7255

Abstract

The oral microbiota is made of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, that live in the mouth and help protect against infections. This balance is important for oral and overall health. When the balance is disturbed, for example, due to antibiotic use, weak immune system, or poor oral hygiene, certain fungi, especially Candida albicans, can grow too much and cause infections like oral candidiasis. C. albicans is usually a harmless organism in the mouth, but it can become dangerous under the right conditions. It can change shapes which helps it invade tissues. It can also form biofilms, protective layers that make it harder for the immune system and antifungal drugs to remove it. These biofilms are difficult to treat and can lead to chronic or repeated infections. This fungus does not live alone. It interacts with different types of bacteria in the mouth. Some bacteria support C. albicans by helping it stick to surfaces and protect it from antifungals. Others, like lactic acid bacteria, can stop it from growing or forming biofilms. These interactions show how important the whole microbial community is when it comes to preventing or treating fungal infections. Thanks to modern technologies like gene sequencing and metagenomics, scientists can now study the en-tire oral microbiome, including both bacteria and fungi. These tools have shown how changes in bacterial populations can increase the risk of fungal infections. Understanding how the oral microbiota influences Candida resistance is essential for developing more effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. This review examines current knowledge on the synergistic and antagonistic interactions between C. albi-cans and the oral microbiota, focusing on how these interactions affect oral health and lead to antifungal resistance.

Keywords:

oral microbiota, Candida albicans, oral candidiasis, biofilm, fungal‑bacterial interaction, antifungal resistance.

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Published

2025-06-01

How to Cite

Isufaj, E., & Nishani, F. (2025). The role of oral microbiota in the colonization and antifungal resistance of Candida spp. Optime, 17(1), 83–87. https://doi.org/10.55312/op.v17i1.7255

Numër

No. 1 (2025): Optime

Section

Medicine