Host-pathogen attributes of oral candidiasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is prevalent in Southern China and one of the commonest cancers in Hong Kong. Radiotherapy has been the standard treatment for NPC for decades. Oral candidasis is an extremely common, distressing and persistent infection during and after radiotherapy in NPC patients. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to examine both host salivary factors and Candida virulence factors associted with oral candidiasis of NPC patients in Hong Kong. METHODS: Newly diagnosed non-metastatic NPC patients were selected for the study. Patients with pre-existing or history of oral candidiasis were excluded. Saliva samples were collected at baseline and during the course of radiotherapy. Oral mouth rinse samples were collected for characterization of Candida species. Demographical data of the patients and details of radiotherapy were also re…