Recent Studies on Oral Candidiasis using a Murine Model

In order to develop new treatments for oral candidiasis, Takakura, et al. recently established a new murine model of this condition showing local symptoms. The present article reviews studies using this murine model to ascertain the clinical application of essential oils, and antimicrobial agents found in saliva. Applying tea tree oil to the mouth of mice with C. albicans reduced the viable cell count and improved inflammatory symptoms. When mice were given tap water containing bovine lactoferrin, they were similarly also protected from oral candidiasis, but protection was clearly observed only from 6 days after infection. Furthermore, we were able to identify the existence of a factor which detached C. albicans that had attached to oral tissue by forming biofilms. When human saliva was administered to the mice orally inoculated with C. albicans, viable cell counts and inflammatory symptoms declined significantly. We expect this murine model of oral candidiasis to contribute to clarification of the host defense mechanisms against the disease, and to aid in the development of new therapeutic agents.