RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS AND ORAL MICROFLORA: IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP?

Abstract

Background and aim: Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common lesions in oral mucosa and it is unique to oral mucosa. Since it is a painful condition and cause eating and speaking disturbances, study on its etiology may be helpful in current modalities which are mainly palliative. Microbial factor as etiological factor for these lesions have been suspected. Studies did not show definite results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between oral microflora (subtypes of Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Neisseria, Prevotella) and RAS.
methods & materials: this study is an analytical case control study. Totally 21 patients with RAS referred to the department of oral medicine of Shahid Beheshti dental school that 21 patient with no history of RAS participated in study as control group inclusion and exclusion criteria were placed in case group.Samples were taken during RAS (around the lesion) and emission periods and also in control group from the same area. Samples sent to laboratory for microbial culture as soon as possible.
Results: In case group during RAS and remission period relationship between presence of prevotella melaninogenicus (P=0.003), Neisseria lactamica (P=0.013) Neisseria mucosa (P=0.043), Neisseria subflava (p=0.031), Neisseria sapraphaga (P=0.014), Streptococcus viridance (P=0.001) , Streptococcus mutans (P=0.002) and staphyloccus aureus (P=0.46) was significant .In comparison with case and control group the relationship of prevotella melaninogenicus (P=0.001), Neisseria lactamica (p=0.004) Neisseria mucosa (p=0.045), Neisseria sapraphaga (p=0.03), Streptococcus viridans (P=0.001) and streptococcus mutans (P<0.001) were significant.
Conclusions: According to our findings we can claim that some subgroups of Prevotella, Neisseria and streptococcus may be related to developing aphthous stomatitis.