Fungi at the Scene of the Crime: Innocent Bystanders or Accomplices in Oral Infections?

Purpose of Review Over the last decade, microbiome studies have enhanced our knowledge and understanding of the polymicrobial nature of oral infections. Recently, profiling of the fungal microbiome has expanded our conventional understanding of oral ecology, revealing the critical importance of yeasts within this complex microbiome. This review aims to explore our current appreciation of intcrkingdom interactions in oral disease. Recent Findings There is a growing evidence base of interactions and pathogenic synergy and antagonism with bacterial species within oral disease. Recent studies have helped to develop our knowledge of how Candida albicans, alongside bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Lactobacillus species, influence overall pathogenicity. Summary Clinical and experimental evidence makes a compelling case for a role for C. albicans in a number of oral infections, though whether its role is an active accomplice or passive bystander remains to be determined.