The Role of the Oral Immune System in Oropharyngeal Candidiasis-Facilitated Invasion and Dissemination of Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus account for most invasive fungal and bacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs), respectively. However, the initial point of invasion responsible for S. aureus BSIs is often unclear. Recently, C. albicans has been proposed to mediate S. aureus invasion of immunocompromised hosts during co-colonization of oral mucosal surfaces. The status of the oral immune system crucially contributes to this process in two distinct ways: firstly, by allowing invasive C. albicans growth during dysfunction of extra-epithelial immunity, and secondly following invasion by some remaining function of intra-epithelial immunity. Immunocompromised individuals at risk of developing invasive oral C. albicans infections could, therefore, also be at risk of contracting concordant S. aureus BSIs. Considering the crucial contribution of both oral immune function and dysfunction, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of relevant aspects of intra and extra-epithelial oral immunity and discuss predominant immune deficiencies expected to facilitate C. albicans induced S. aureus BSIs.

Altered oral microbiome in Sudanese Toombak smokeless tobacco users carries a newly emerging risk of squamous cell carcinoma development and progression

“…In addition, oral Staphylococcus abundance amongst Toombak users may be linked to an increased fungal load in the oral cavity 56 likely through chemical interplay involving metabolites, quorum sensing effectors and stable biofilm development 57 . Oral Staphylococcus abundance found in Toombak users may be a reservoir for the development of systemic infection, is a source of methicillin-resistant strains and could pose an increased susceptibility to blood-related infections 58 , 59 . Staphylococcus further plays a sinister role in the acidic hypoxic environments of oral cancer 47 and has been isolated from OSCC sites 60 .…”

Biological potential of eight medicinal plants collected in the restored landscape after mining in South Kalimantan

“…In addition, oropharyngeal candidiasis appears to facilitate the spread of S. aureus. Therefore, immunocompromised individuals are at risk of both invasive oral C. albicans infection and S. aureus infection [99]. Consequently, research on obtaining drug candidates that have activity against C. albicans and S. aureus is vital.…”

Microbial functional pathways based on metatranscriptomic profiling enable effective saliva-based health assessments for precision wellness

“…The oral cavity is the primary gateway to the body, and it hosts a complex environment which plays vital functional roles [8] , [9] . Both the oral microbiome and the oral immune system defend against a vast array of pathogens [10] , [11] , [12] , [13] , but when either of these components is impaired, the oral cavity can support pathogenic activity, leading to chronic oral inflammation [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] . Since digestion begins in the oral cavity [18] , [19] , the impairment of either component can lead to digestion-related health issues, including putrefaction of foods and host proteins within the mouth [20] .…”