Evaluation of the Role of Oral Microbes in Pathogenesis of Oral Lichen Planus.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Case-control study
PubMed 39346233 · doi:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_90_24
What was done
Immunohistochemistry was performed on 82 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from histopathologically confirmed oral lichen planus (OLP) cases and 20 specimens from healthy controls to evaluate the presence of specific microorganisms (Candida albicans, Helicobacter pylori, periodontopathogenic bacteria, HPV-16, HPV-18, and Mycoplasma salivarium).
What was found
Microbial detection rates in OLP cases versus healthy controls were: - Candida albicans: 47.12% vs. 9.43% - Helicobacter pylori: 45.21% vs. 13.46% - Periodontopathogenic bacteria: 33.14% vs. 13.45% - HPV-16: 38.12% vs. 11.24% - HPV-18: 32.43% vs. 11.43% - Mycoplasma salivarium: 46.47% vs. 6.45% No p-values, confidence intervals, or statistical test results were reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This study shows an observational association between the presence of diverse oral microorganisms and OLP tissue specimens, pointing to potential microbial involvement or colonization in OLP.
Limits
The study is an observational case-control analysis with a small control group (n=20 vs. n=82 cases). The abstract reports fractional percentages that are mathematically incompatible with the stated sample denominators and provides no statistical significance testing. The cross-sectional tissue design cannot determine whether microbes play an etiologic role or represent secondary colonization of altered mucosal tissue.
Cited by
- contradicts Oral lichen planus is caused by a pathogenic microbe, fungus, or bacteria growing in the mouth.