THE ROLE OF FUNGI IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF PERIODONTITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Main Article Content

Balasubramaniam Vajravel
Kaviya Priya
Swarna Kesavan
Dr Rudhra Kannan
Anitha Balaji

Keywords

Fungi, Candida, Periodontitis, Candida albicans, Systematic review, Meta Analysis

Abstract

The association between periodontitis and specific bacterial pathogens are well established. However, Fungal organisms, particularly Candida species, have been frequently detected in periodontal pockets, with Candida albicans being the most commonly isolated species.


Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of fungi in pathogenesis of periodontitis through a systematic review.


Material and method: Literature search was performed in various electronic databases for articles published upto December 31 2024. Two reviews independently reviewed the articles. Five studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies was used to evaluate the risk of bias  in the included studies.


Results: Five studies (cross sectional Study -4, and case control -1) were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings of this Systematic review suggests that there is a strong association between the presence of Candida species and periodontal diseases.


Conclusion:


Fungal organisms, particularly Candida species, are found to be associated with periodontal pockets. Therefore, periodontitis that is resistant to conventional treatment may require additional broad spectrum antibiotics for coverage of fungal organisms also.

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