title: Probiotics as Antifungals in Mucosal Candidiasis.
abstract: Candidais an opportunistic pathogen that causes mucosal and deep systemic candidiasis. The emergence of drug resistance and the side effects of currently available antifungals have restricted their use as long-term prophylactic agents for candidal infections. Given this scenario, probiotics have been suggested as a useful alternative for the management of candidiasis. We analyzed the available data on the efficacy of probiotics in candidal colonization of host surfaces. A number of well-controlled studies indicate that probiotics, particularly lactobacilli, suppressCandidagrowth and biofilm development in vitro.A few clinical trials have also shown the beneficial effects of probiotics in reducing oral, vaginal, and enteric colonization byCandida; alleviation of clinical signs and symptoms; and, in some cases, reducing the incidence of invasive fungal infection in critically ill patients. Probiotics may serve in the future as a worthy ally in the battle against chronic mucosal candidal infections.
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Victor H
authors.initials: VH
authors.lastname: Matsubara
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: H M H N
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Bandara
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences.
authors.forename: Marcia P A
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Lakshman P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Samaranayake
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007778:Lactobacillus; D008875:Middle Aged; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents
keywords: Candida; Lactobacillus; candidiasis; probiotics