Probiotics as Antifungals in Mucosal Candidiasis

Victor H Matsubara, H M H N Bandara, Marcia P A Mayer, Lakshman P Samaranayake

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

121 Citations (Scopus)
399 Downloads (Pure)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1143-53
Number of pages11
JournalClinical Infectious Diseases
Volume62
Issue number9
Early online date29 Jan 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2016

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Candidiasis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lactobacillus
  • Middle Aged
  • Probiotics
  • Young Adult
  • Journal Article
  • Review

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