European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study to evaluate the microflora in the post-chemotherapy patients of oral cancer.
Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Dentistry Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Tehsil Nathdwara, Distt. Rajsamand, Rajasthan, India, from July 2020 to June 2021. We enrolled 24 patients (15 men and 9 women, aged 20–55years) with solid malignancy that had no previous adjuvant radiotherapy or recent antimicrobial or antiviral treatment. Sampling was done at the same time of day, approximately 2 h after breakfast. Microorganisms were identified by standard procedures as well as the production of a set of metabolic enzymes (as tested with Rapid ID 32A and Rapid ID32 Strep). With regard to bacterial counts, the results were expressed in MCF, equivalent to 1.5 × 108 cells/ml.
Results: Oral mucositis, according to WHO scores, involving nonkeratinized sites developed in 8 patients (33.33%) in the test group: 7 with Grade 1 and 1 with Grade 2. No ulcerations on the keratinized mucosa were scored. No mucositis developed in the control group. 12 patients (50%) who developed plaque that consisted predominantly of saprophytic Gram-positive cocci (Streptococcus spp., Leuconostoc spp., Granulicatella spp., and Gemella spp.). The other 12 patients (50%) developed periodontal pathogens (F. nucleatum, P. gingivalis, Actinobacillus spp., and P. micros). Actinobacillus spp. was the least frequently found periodontal pathogen in the test group (8.33%), while F. nucleatum was the most frequently found (16.67%). No significant differences were found in bacterial changes between t0, t1, and t2 in the test group. In the control group, the bacterial count remained unchanged during the observation period. At t0, t1, and t2, differences in qualitative and quantitative variations between the two groups were not significant.
Conclusion: No changes occur in microflora in dental plaque in cancer patients within 7 days from the first course of chemotherapy. No correlations between oral mucositis and specific microorganisms were assessed