SARS-CoV-2 infection of salivary glands compromises the production of a secreted antifungal peptide with potential implications for development of oral candidiasis.

Saliva contains antimicrobial peptides considered integral components of host innate immunity, and crucial for protection against colonizing microbial species. Most notable is histatin-5 which is exclusively produced in salivary glands with uniquely potent antifungal activity against the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 was shown to replicate in salivary gland acinar cells eliciting local immune cell activation.

Functional redundancy in Candida auris cell surface adhesins crucial for cell-cell interaction and aggregation.

Candida auris is an emerging nosocomial fungal pathogen associated with life-threatening invasive disease due to its persistent colonization, high level of transmissibility and multi-drug resistance. Aggregative and non-aggregative growth phenotypes for C. auris strains with different biofilm forming abilities, drug susceptibilities and virulence characteristics have been described.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Salivary Glands Compromises Oral Antifungal Innate Immunity and Predisposes to Oral Candidiasis.

Saliva contains antimicrobial peptides considered integral components of host innate immunity, and crucial for protection against colonizing microbial species. Most notable is histatin-5 which is exclusively produced in salivary glands with uniquely potent antifungal activity against the opportunistic pathogen . Recently, SARS-CoV-2 was shown to replicate in salivary gland acinar cells eliciting local immune cell activation.

Functional Redundancy in Cell Surface Adhesins Crucial for Cell-Cell Interaction and Aggregation.

is an emerging nosocomial fungal pathogen associated with life-threatening invasive disease due to its persistent colonization, high level of transmissibility and multi-drug resistance. Aggregative and non-aggregative growth phenotypes for strains with different biofilm forming abilities, drug susceptibilities and virulence characteristics have been described. Using comprehensive transcriptional analysis we identified key cell surface adhesins that were highly upregulated in the aggregative phenotype during and grown biofilms using a mouse model of catheter infection.

Functional Redundancy in Cell Surface Adhesins Crucial for Cell-Cell Interaction and Aggregation.

is an emerging nosocomial fungal pathogen associated with life-threatening invasive disease due to its persistent colonization, high level of transmissibility and multi-drug resistance. Aggregative and non-aggregative growth phenotypes for strains with different biofilm forming abilities, drug susceptibilities and virulence characteristics have been described. Using comprehensive transcriptional analysis we identified key cell surface adhesins that were highly upregulated in the aggregative phenotype during and grown biofilms using a mouse model of catheter infection.

In vitro demineralization prevention by fluoride and silver nanoparticles when applied to sound enamel and enamel caries-like lesions of varying severities.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of fluoride and silver nanoparticles on the prevention of in vitro demineralization of sound enamel and enamel caries-like lesions of varying severities.

Methods: Caries-like lesions of different severities (1/6/15 days) were created in bovine enamel specimens. One group remained sound.

Medical and dental health status of orphan children in central Saudi Arabia.

Objective: To evaluate the medical and dental health status of orphan children from 4 to 12-years-old, and compare them with children living with their parents.

Methods: This analytical, cross-sectional study took place in 3 government orphanages and 3 ordinary schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 2011 to January 2012. All orphans aged 4-12 year were selected (N=90).