Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 25, 2025 18 hours, 22 minutes ago
Medical News: A recent study conducted by researchers from Rio de Janeiro State University, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro has shed new light on the relationship between oral microbiota and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD, which includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is known to be influenced by microbial imbalances in the gut. However, this
Medical News report highlights how the presence of specific fungal species and herpesviruses in the oral cavity could also play a role in disease progression.
Understanding the Link Between Oral Microbiota and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The study focused on identifying emerging fungal species and herpesviruses in the oral microbiota of IBD patients. Researchers analyzed oral swabs from seven patients diagnosed with either UC or CD, using molecular sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques to detect various pathogens. Their findings point to a potentially significant connection between these microorganisms and the severity of IBD.
Key Findings of the Study
The participants in the study had an average age of 38.67 years, and the majority (57.14%) were female. The study also revealed that 85.7% of the patients exhibited some level of periodontal disease, with an average of 20.3 teeth per individual. This suggests a link between oral health and gut-related inflammatory conditions.
The researchers identified several fungal species that had not been commonly documented in IBD patients before. Among those detected were Kodamaea jinghongensis, Trichosporon, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Candida orthopsilosis, and Candida lusitaniae. Some of these fungi have been associated with antifungal resistance, making them particularly concerning for immunocompromised individuals.
Herpesvirus Co-infections in IBD Patients
The study also investigated the presence of herpesviruses in the oral cavity. Two patients with UC tested positive for at least one herpesvirus. One patient was found to have Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) alongside Candida lusitaniae, while another presented with co-infections of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Human Herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7), and Candida tropicalis. These findings suggest a potential role for viral and fungal interactions in exacerbating IBD symptoms.
The Clinical Implications of These Findings
The detection of emerging fungal pathogens and their co-occurrence with herpesviruses highlights the need for better screening and preventive strategies for IBD patients. The presence of these microorganisms in the oral cavity may contribute to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially worsening disease symptoms.
One of the most significant concerns raised by the study is the ability of these fungal species to resist antifungal treatments. For example, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa has been reported to cause infections primarily in immunocompromised patients and has been identified in the oral microbiota of
individuals with colorectal cancer. Similarly, Candida orthopsilosis and Candida lusitaniae were found in UC patients, but their specific influence on IBD progression remains unclear and warrants further investigation.
Additionally, the interaction between herpesviruses and fungi may influence disease severity. Studies have shown that herpesviruses can enhance the adhesion and biofilm formation of fungi such as Candida albicans, making infections more difficult to treat. This could explain why some IBD patients experience persistent symptoms despite standard treatments.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The findings of this study emphasize the importance of identifying and monitoring emerging pathogens in the oral microbiota of IBD patients. To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first study to document the presence of Kodamaea jinghongensis and Candida dermatis in the oral cavity of individuals with IBD. Furthermore, the detection of rare yeast species such as Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Candida orthopsilosis, and Candida lusitaniae, along with herpesvirus co-infections, highlights a potential risk factor for disease exacerbation.
These results suggest that oral health and microbiota composition should be considered when developing treatment strategies for IBD patients. The presence of emerging pathogens in the oral cavity could influence the inflammatory processes in the gut and affect disease outcomes. Future research should explore the mechanisms by which these microorganisms contribute to IBD progression and determine whether targeted antimicrobial therapies could help manage symptoms more effectively.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Biomedicines.
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/2/480
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