title: Oral microbial colonization in children with sickle cell anaemia under long-term prophylaxis with penicillin.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is the most frequent haematological hereditary disease. Children with SCA are submitted to long-term prophylactic therapy with penicillin, but little is known about its impact on oral microflora. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral microbial colonization of paediatric patients with SCA.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty children (4-11yrs old) with SCA (genotype SS) under long-term prophylactic treatment with penicillin were included in the study. Age/gender-matched control group of healthy children was also included. Scores of dmft/DMFT (number of decayed (D), missing (M), or filled (F) teeth; dmft, for primary dentition; DMFT, for permanent dentition) were obtained and stimulated saliva was sampled. Salivary flow rate and buffering capacity were evaluated. Counts of microorganisms (mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeasts) were determined by plating method. Yeasts were identified by API 20C AUX and PCR.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean dmft/DMFT values were similar in the studied groups (SCA 2.13/1.60 and control 2.38/1.3). Although no significant differences between cariogenic microorganism counts were observed, significantly higher yeasts oral levels were observed in SCA group. Controls showed lower salivary buffering capacity. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species in both groups. Candida famata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis were also isolated from controls. Candida dubliniensis, Candida rugosa and Candida sphaerica were found only in SCA group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on the results, it could be concluded that paediatric patients with SCA showed significantly higher oral level of yeasts. Uncommon fungal species were found in SCA group. Similar caries prevalence and counts of lactobacilli and streptococci in relation to controls were observed.
authors: Institute of Science and Technology, Universidade Estadual Paulista/UNESP, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil.
authors: Bruno Mello
authors: BM
authors: de Matos
authors: Institute of Science and Technology, Universidade Estadual Paulista/UNESP, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil.
authors: Zulene Eveline Abreu
authors: ZE
authors: Ribeiro
authors: Institute of Science and Technology, Universidade Estadual Paulista/UNESP, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil.
authors: Ivan
authors: I
authors: Balducci
authors: Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Maria Stella
authors: MS
authors: Figueiredo
authors: Institute of Science and Technology, Universidade Estadual Paulista/UNESP, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil.
authors: Graziella Nuernberg
authors: GN
authors: Back-Brito
authors: Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Programa Multi-Institucional de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia Manaus, AM, Brazil.
authors: Adolfo José da
authors: AJ
authors: Mota
authors: Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Josefina Aparecida Pellegrini
authors: JA
authors: Braga
authors: Institute of Science and Technology, Universidade Estadual Paulista/UNESP, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: cristiane@fosjc.unesp.br.
authors: Cristiane Yumi
authors: CY
authors: Koga-Ito
mesh_terms: D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002175:Candida / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008297:Male; D009055:Mouth / Q000382:microbiology*; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012472:Salivation; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000302:isolation & purification
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010406:Penicillins
keywords: Caries; Children; Microorganism; Mouth; Sickle cell anaemia