Cross-kingdom microbial interactions in dental implant-related infections: is Candida albicans a new villain?

Author(s):Show less -

Souza, Joao G. S. ; Costa, Raphael C. ; Sampaio, Aline A. ; Abdo, Victoria L. ; Nagay, Bruna E. ; Castro, Nidia ; Retamal-Valdes, Belen ; Shibli, Jamil A. ; Feres, Magda ; Barao, Valentim A. R. ; Bertolini, Martinna

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ISCIENCE; v. 25, n. 4, p. 21-pg., 2022-03-16.

Abstract

Candida albicans, an oral fungal opportunistic pathogen, has shown the ability to colonize implant surfaces and has been frequently isolated from biofilms associated with dental implant-related infections, possibly due to its synergistic interactions with certain oral bacteria. Moreover, evidence suggests that this cross-kingdom interaction on implant can encourage bacterial growth, leading to increased fungal virulence and mucosal damage. However, the role of Candida in implant-related infections has been overlooked and not widely explored or even considered by most microbiological analyses and therapeutic approaches. Thus, we summarized the scientific evidence regarding the ability of C. albicans to colonize implant surfaces, interact in implant-related polymicrobial biofilms, and its possible role in peri-implant infections as far as biologic plausibility. Next, a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies was conducted to identify the relevance and the gap in the existing literature regarding the role of C. albicans in the pathogenesis of peri-implant infections. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/05231-4 - Development of a new thermosensitive hydrogel for controlled release of drugs to prevent and treat peri-implant inflammations
• Grantee: Valentim Adelino Ricardo Barão
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/10436-4 - Synthesis, characterization and biological performance of pH-sensitive nanopolymers produced by molecular printing for the treatment of peri-implant infections
• Grantee: Raphael Cavalcante Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 19/17238-6 - Antibacterial coating with photocatalytic potential under visible light for dental implants: in vitro, in situ and in vivo studies
• Grantee: Bruna Egumi Nagay
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate