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Microorganisms
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Microbial Interactions including Candida concerning Health and Disease
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Microbial Interactions including Candida concerning Health and Disease

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2025) | Viewed by 21488

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Tomoko Ohshima

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oral Microbiology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama 230-8501, Japan
Interests: microbiota; microbiology, biofilms
Dr. Yoko Mukai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oral Microbiology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama 230-8501, Japan
Interests: microbiota; microbiology, saliva

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The normal human microbiota consists of multiple microbial species, and a healthy state is maintained in balance. The microbial species are predominantly bacteria but also include a few fungi, especially Candida. The significance of this cross-species coexistence of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the effect on the host remain unclear. Whether or not this small number of fungi should be completely eliminated from the normal microbiota is often controversial in dentistry.

It is known that candidiasis is caused when the balance of the microbiota is changed due to candidal overgrowth caused by antibiotics and when cell-mediated immunity is reduced. However, it has not been elucidated what type of phenomena occur in the host and microorganisms during the onset. In addition, it is not known in detail how bacteria are involved in Candida biofilm formation.

In an aging society, the higher the ratio of oral candidiasis, the higher the risk of developing oral candidiasis, which not only impairs QOL but also increases the frequency of fatal aspiration pneumonia.

Therefore, we decided to call for research papers on epidemiological research and molecular mechanism analysis research, and search for new preventive and therapeutic methods for candidiasis that seek to elucidate the relationship between Candida and bacteria from a broad perspective.

Prof. Dr. Tomoko Ohshima
Dr. Yoko Mukai
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • microbial interkingdom interaction
  • microbiota
  • microbiome
  • epidemiology
  • oral and intestinal candidiasis
  • novel means for diagnosis
  • novel remedy for candidiasis
  • drug-resistant

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 3900 KiB  
Article
Oral Microbiota Alterations in Subjects with SARS-CoV-2 Displaying Prevalence of the Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
by Areej A. Alfaifi, Johanna B. Holm, Tristan W. Wang, Jonathan Lim, Timothy F. Meiller, Peter Rock, Ahmed S. Sultan and Mary Ann Jabra-Rizk
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1356; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071356 - 2 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1869
Abstract
The oral cavity remains an underappreciated site for SARS-CoV-2 infection despite the myriad of oral conditions in COVID-19 patients. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 was shown to replicate in the salivary gland cells causing tissue inflammation. Given the established association between inflammation and microbiome disruption, we [...] Read more.
The oral cavity remains an underappreciated site for SARS-CoV-2 infection despite the myriad of oral conditions in COVID-19 patients. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 was shown to replicate in the salivary gland cells causing tissue inflammation. Given the established association between inflammation and microbiome disruption, we comparatively profiled oral microbial differences at a metagenomic level in a cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and matched healthy controls. Specifically, we aimed to evaluate colonization by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans, the etiologic agent of oral candidiasis. Comprehensive shotgun metagenomic analysis indicated that, overall, COVID-19 patients exhibited significantly reduced bacterial and viral diversity/richness; we identified 12 differentially abundant bacterial species to be negatively associated with COVID-19, and the functional pathways of certain bacteria to be highly associated with COVID-19 status. Strikingly, C. albicans was recovered from approximately half of the COVID-19 subjects but not from any of the healthy controls. The prevalence of Candida is likely linked to immune hypo-dysregulation caused by COVID-19 favoring Candida proliferation, warranting investigations into the interplay between Candida and SARS-CoV2 and potential therapeutic approaches directed toward oral candidiasis. Collectively, our findings prompt a reassessment of oral opportunistic infection risks during COVID-19 disease and their potential long-term impacts on oral health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Interactions including Candida concerning Health and Disease)
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15 pages, 2679 KiB  
Article
Candida dubliniensis in Japanese Oral Microbiota: A Cross-Sectional Study of Six Geographic Regions in Japan
by Tomoko Ohshima, Yoko Mukai, Hitoshi Watanabe, Keijiro Ohshima, Koichi Makimura, Takashi Komabayashi, Chul Ahn, Karen Meyer and Nobuko Maeda
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030525 - 5 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1888
Abstract
Introduction: Candida dubliniensis was reclassified from the C. albicans genotype D, and reports show its frequent detection in HIV-positive individuals and easy acquisition of antifungal drug resistance. However, the oral carriage rate in healthy people and contribution to candidiasis in Japan is unclear. [...] Read more.
Introduction: Candida dubliniensis was reclassified from the C. albicans genotype D, and reports show its frequent detection in HIV-positive individuals and easy acquisition of antifungal drug resistance. However, the oral carriage rate in healthy people and contribution to candidiasis in Japan is unclear. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of the C. dubliniensis carriage rate, performed genotyping and tested antifungal drug susceptibility and protease productivity. Specimens from 2432 Japanese subjects in six regions (1902 healthy individuals, 423 with candidiasis individuals, 107 HIV-positive individuals) were cultured using CHROMagarTMCandida, and the species was confirmed via 25S rDNA amplification and ITS sequences analyzed for genotyping. Results: The C. dubliniensis carriage rate in healthy Japanese was low in the central mainland (0–15%) but high in the most northerly and southerly areas (30–40%). The distribution of these frequencies did not differ depending on age or disease (HIV-infection, candidiasis). Genotype I, previously identified in other countries, was most frequent in Japan, but novel genotypes were also observed. Six antifungal drugs showed higher susceptibility against C. albicans, but protease productivity was low. Conclusions: Oral C. dubliniensis has low pathogenicity with distribution properties attributed to geography and not dependent on age or disease status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Interactions including Candida concerning Health and Disease)
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8 pages, 371 KiB  
Communication
Exploratory Study of the Relationship between an Oral Fungal Swab Test and Patient Blood Test Data
by Tatsuki Itagaki, Ken-ichiro Sakata, Akira Hasebe and Yoshimasa Kitagawa
Microorganisms 2023, 11(12), 2887; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11122887 - 29 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1693
Abstract
Our understanding of the relationship between oral Candida and systemic conditions has significantly increased recently, which this study aims to extend further by investigating the risks of oral candidiasis. A total of 314 patients were involved in this study and underwent an oral [...] Read more.
Our understanding of the relationship between oral Candida and systemic conditions has significantly increased recently, which this study aims to extend further by investigating the risks of oral candidiasis. A total of 314 patients were involved in this study and underwent an oral swab test at the Department of Oral Medicine, Hokkaido University Hospital, between January and December 2021. Data were collected on age, sex, white and red blood cell counts, Hb, total protein, vitamin B12, as well as serum albumin, iron, copper, and zinc levels. The clinical fungus samples were swabbed to identify those with Candida species using a MALDI Biotyper, then applied analysis of covariance and multivariant logistic regression analysis. It was possible to assess the oral swab test results without considering the difference between sex (p = 0.946). The oral swab test results were associated with aging (odds ratio: 1.03) and serum albumin levels (odds ratio: 0.32). In summary, the results of our study suggest a relationship between aging and oral candidiasis and offer in-depth insights into how to prevent or treat oral candidiasis onset. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Interactions including Candida concerning Health and Disease)
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17 pages, 3664 KiB  
Article
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 Antagonizes Candida albicans Growth and Protects Intestinal Cells from C. albicans-Mediated Damage
by Yasmine Rebai, Lysett Wagner, Mayssa Gnaien, Merle L. Hammer, Mario Kapitan, Maria Joanna Niemiec, Wael Mami, Amor Mosbah, Erij Messadi, Helmi Mardassi, Slavena Vylkova, Ilse D. Jacobsen and Sadri Znaidi
Microorganisms 2023, 11(8), 1929; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11081929 - 28 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2905
Abstract
Candida albicans is a pathobiont of the gastrointestinal tract. It can contribute to the diversity of the gut microbiome without causing harmful effects. When the immune system is compromised, C. albicans can damage intestinal cells and cause invasive disease. We hypothesize that a [...] Read more.
Candida albicans is a pathobiont of the gastrointestinal tract. It can contribute to the diversity of the gut microbiome without causing harmful effects. When the immune system is compromised, C. albicans can damage intestinal cells and cause invasive disease. We hypothesize that a therapeutic approach against C. albicans infections can rely on the antimicrobial properties of probiotic bacteria. We investigated the impact of the probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) on C. albicans growth and its ability to cause damage to intestinal cells. In co-culture kinetic assays, C. albicans abundance gradually decreased over time compared with C. albicans abundance in the absence of EcN. Quantification of C. albicans survival suggests that EcN exerts a fungicidal activity. Cell-free supernatants (CFS) collected from C. albicans-EcN co-culture mildly altered C. albicans growth, suggesting the involvement of an EcN-released compound. Using a model of co-culture in the presence of human intestinal epithelial cells, we further show that EcN prevents C. albicans from damaging enterocytes both distantly and through direct contact. Consistently, both C. albicans’s filamentous growth and microcolony formation were altered by EcN. Taken together, our study proposes that probiotic-strain EcN can be exploited for future therapeutic approaches against C. albicans infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Interactions including Candida concerning Health and Disease)
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Review

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14 pages, 736 KiB  
Review
QTc Interval Prolongation as an Adverse Event of Azole Antifungal Drugs: Case Report and Literature Review
by Shiori Kitaya, Makoto Nakano, Yukio Katori, Satoshi Yasuda and Hajime Kanamori
Microorganisms 2024, 12(8), 1619; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081619 - 8 Aug 2024
Viewed by 3847
Abstract
QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) are significant adverse events linked to azole antifungals. Reports on QTc interval prolongation caused by these agents are limited. In this study, we report a case of a 77-year-old male with cardiovascular disease who experienced QTc [...] Read more.
QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) are significant adverse events linked to azole antifungals. Reports on QTc interval prolongation caused by these agents are limited. In this study, we report a case of a 77-year-old male with cardiovascular disease who experienced QTc prolongation and subsequent TdP while being treated with fluconazole for Candida albicans-induced knee arthritis. Additionally, a literature review was conducted on cases where QTc prolongation and TdP were triggered as adverse events of azole antifungal drugs. The case study detailed the patient’s experience, whereas the literature review analyzed cases from May 1997 to February 2023, focusing on patient demographics, underlying diseases, antifungal regimens, concurrent medications, QTc changes, and outcomes. The review identified 16 cases, mainly in younger individuals (median age of 29) and women (75%). Fluconazole (63%) and voriconazole (37%) were the most common agents. Concurrent medications were present in 75% of cases, and TdP occurred in 81%. Management typically involved discontinuing or switching antifungals and correcting electrolytes, with all patients surviving. Risk assessment and concurrent medication review are essential before starting azole therapy. High-risk patients require careful electrocardiogram monitoring to prevent arrhythmias. Remote monitoring may enhance safety for patients with implanted devices. Further studies are needed to understand risk factors and management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Interactions including Candida concerning Health and Disease)
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10 pages, 871 KiB  
Review
Bacterial Vaginosis and Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Pathophysiologic Interrelationship
by Jack D. Sobel and Yogitha Sai Vempati
Microorganisms 2024, 12(1), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010108 - 5 Jan 2024
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7273
Abstract
Among the infectious causes of vulvovaginal symptoms, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) dominate. Apart from infrequent mixed infections, both are considered independent and caused by unrelated pathogenic mechanisms. Clinical experience, however, is strongly suggestive that in some populations these infections are [...] Read more.
Among the infectious causes of vulvovaginal symptoms, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) dominate. Apart from infrequent mixed infections, both are considered independent and caused by unrelated pathogenic mechanisms. Clinical experience, however, is strongly suggestive that in some populations these infections are linked with recurrent BV (RBV) serving as the dominant etiopathogenic trigger for development of recurrent VVC (RVVC) with profound clinical and therapeutic consequences. The biologic basis for this critical interrelationship is discussed and suggests that as a consequence of BV dysbiosis, and not necessarily because of antibiotics prescribed, immune defenses are compromised, neutralizing vaginal yeast tolerance. The consequent BV-induced vaginal proinflammatory environment predisposes to mixed infection or consecutive episodes of post-treatment VVC. Recurrent BV and repeated antimicrobial drug exposure also predispose to acquired fluconazole resistance in C. albicans isolates, contributing to refractory vulvovaginal candidiasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Interactions including Candida concerning Health and Disease)
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