Microbial profile of symptomatic pericoronitis lesions: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective: The microbial composition of pericoronitis (Pc) is still controversial; it is not yet clear if the microbial profile of these lesions is similar to the profile observed in periodontitis (Pd). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe the microbial profile of Pc lesions and compare it directly with that of subjects with Pd. Methodology: Subjects with Pc and Pd were selected, and subgingival biofilm samples were collected from (i) third molars with symptomatic Pc (Pc-T), (ii) contralateral third molars without Pc (Pc-C) and (iii) teeth with a probing depth >3 mm from subjects with Pd. Counts and proportions of 40 bacterial species were evaluated using a checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique. Results: Twenty-six patients with Pc and 18 with Pd were included in the study. In general, higher levels of microorganisms were observed in Pd. Only Actinomyces oris and Eubacterium nodatum were present in higher mean counts in the Pc-T group in comparison with the Pc-C and Pd-C groups (p<0.05). The microbiota associated with Pc-T was similar to that found in Pc-C. Sites with Pc lesions had lower proportions of red complex in comparison with the Pd sites. Conclusion: The microbiota of Pc is very diverse, but these lesions harbour lower levels of periodontal pathogens than Pd.

Oral Candidiasis Prevalence in HIV Patients in the City of Nova Iguaçu, Province of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a pandemic disease which causes a change in the immune system, mainly with a decrease in CD4 lymphocytes. This circumstance facilitates the appearance of opportunistic infections and the development of neoplastic processes that may lead the patient to a clinical state known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and death. The objective of this research is to identify species of the genus Candida of patients with AIDS and affected by lesions in the oral cavity and hospitalized in the Nova Iguaçu General Hospital. Methods: 39 samples of oral lesions were collected and examined in the mycology laboratory of the Army Biology Institute (IBEx) through mycological procedures. All of the 39 samples were positive for species of the genus Candida. Results: C. albicans was the most frequent (74%), followed by C. tropicalis (15%), C. glabrata (8%) and C. lambica (3%). The most frequent clinical presentation was the pseudomembranous form, with 24 cases (61.54%), followed by erythematous (25.64%) and chronic multifocal form (12.82%). One of the patients presented the membranous clinical form with association of C. albicans and Histoplasma capsulatum. Oral candidiasis is one of the most serious health problems among immunocompromised people. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of the HIV infection and adequate treatment are essential to prevent opportunistic infections.