Abstract
BACKGROUND: Oral candidiasis is the most common infection of oral mucosa caused by Candida albicans. A common predisposing factor for candidiasis is immune system suppression in specific diseases such as AIDS and various cancers. This study aimed to analyze the effect of Kefir probiotic products on the count of C. Albicans in the saliva of chemotherapy patients. METHODS: In this single-blinded clinical trial, 50 patients were selected who have signed informed consent forms. Patients aged 20-60 years with colon or breast cancer who received the same chemotherapy regimen were included and those with a history of radiation therapy, underlying diseases, using antibiotics, anti-fungal and GCSF medicines were excluded. Matched patients in test and control groups received 100 ccs Kefir probiotic and mineral water, respectively at a specific daily time for five weeks. Blood and saliva samples were collected in five steps. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 21 and the significance level was set at p< 0.05. RESULTS: In saliva samples, the count of C. Albicans in the test group dropped significantly (p<0.05), while there were no significant differences between test and control groups in blood samples (p>0.05). Comparing the follow-up sessions, in the test groups, WBC and Neutrophil, and in the control groups, WBC count and hematocrit showed significant differences (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, using probiotic products daily over a short-term period drops the count of oral C. Albicans. Therefore, Kefir probiotic products can be used as an additional treatment for chemotherapy patients.