Complexities of Candida Colonization and Oral Microbiome in Oral Lichen Planus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

<b>Background/objectives:</b> Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting various age groups and is associated with multiple factors. Conventional therapies often encounter complications from opportunistic infections, particularly oral candidiasis. This study examines the relationships between <i>Candida</i> colonization and oral microbiome composition in OLP patients. Through meta-analysis, we clarify these interactions and their implications for OLP progression. <b>Methods:</b> The PICOS is a systematic research strategy, following PRISMA 2020 and MeSH descriptors: oral lichen planus, oral microbiome, oral fungal, and non-<i>Candida</i> oral fungal. <b>Results:</b> A search of CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science identified 313 studies. Twelve studies were suitable for a systematic review, with four appropriate for meta-analysis. Findings showed a significant association between OLP and oral microbiota, with an OR of 4.155 (95% CI: 1.278-13.511, <i>p</i> = 0.024). Although analyses of <i>C. albicans</i> and non-<i>albicans</i> species lacked significance, particular non-<i>albicans</i> species were noted. The subgroup analysis of oral microbiota approached significance, indicated by an OR of 11.739 (95% CI: 0.654-210.713, <i>p</i> = 0.059). <b>Conclusions:</b> This study highlights the roles of <i>Candida</i> species and the oral microbiota in OLP, revealing a complex interaction between <i>Candida</i> colonization and the oral microbiome.

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