The role of oral microbiota in the colonization and antifungal resistance of Candida spp.
The oral microbiota is made of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, that live in the mouth and help protect against infections. This balance is important for oral and overall health. When the balance is disturbed, for example, due to antibiotic use, weak immune system, or poor oral hygiene, certain fungi, especially Candida albicans, can grow too much and cause infections like oral candidiasis.
C. albicans is usually a harmless organism in the mouth, but it can become dangerous under the right conditions. It can change shapes which helps it invade tissues. It can also form biofilms, protective layers that make it harder for the immune system and antifungal drugs to remove it. These biofilms are difficult to treat and can lead to chronic or repeated infections.
This fungus does not live alone. It interacts with different types of bacteria in the mouth. Some bacteria support C. albicans by helping it stick to surfaces and protect it from antifungals. Others, like lactic acid bacteria, can stop it from growing or forming biofilms. These interactions show how important the whole microbial community is when it comes to preventing or treating fungal infections.
Thanks to modern technologies like gene sequencing and metagenomics, scientists can now study the en-tire oral microbiome, including both bacteria and fungi. These tools have shown how changes in bacterial populations can increase the risk of fungal infections. Understanding how the oral microbiota influences Candida resistance is essential for developing more effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. This review examines current knowledge on the synergistic and antagonistic interactions between C. albi-cans and the oral microbiota, focusing on how these interactions affect oral health and lead to antifungal resistance.
Pharmacogenetics and personalized treatment in chronic congenital anemias: Integrated perspectives and a systematic review
Objective: This comprehensive article explores the emerging role of pharmacogenetics in optimizing treatment for chronic congenital anemias, including β-thalassemia, sickle cell disease (SCD), and rare erythropoietic disorders. It integrates a systematic review with an in-depth clinical analysis of personal-ized medicine strategies.
Methods: A systematic literature review (2015 - 2024) was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines.
Results: Genetic profiling significantly improves drug selection, dosing, and toxicity management in
congenital anemias.
Conclusion: Pharmacogenetics supports a transformative shift toward personalized therapy in hema-tology by improving efficacy, reducing adverse effects, and enabling the integration of novel targeted treatments.
Students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding metabolic syndrome: An in-depth summary
Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a growing public health challenge worldwide, characterized by a cluster of metabolic risk factors that increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and diabetes [1][2]. This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs (KAPB) of university students in Albania regarding MetS, with a focus on obesity, hypertension, and lipid disorders. Given the limited data on young populations in Albania [15], assessing students’ awareness is critical since they represent future healthcare professionals and potential agents of preventive change.
Mental health in old age: Challenges, nursing management, and possibilities for improvement in the Albanian healthcare system
Mental health problems among older adults in Albania are increasing due to population aging, social isolation, limited services, and under-resourced healthcare; this narrative review summarizes common conditions such as depression, dementia, and anxiety, discusses contributing factors, and emphasizes the central role of nurses in early detection, coordinated care, and family support, while proposing system-level recommendations to strengthen training, community services, and integrated policies for elderly mental health.