Estudo comparativo da microbiota fúngica oral em profissionais da área da saúde, pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva e indivíduos isentos de contato hospitalar

Abstract

Background and Aim: Information regarding oral fungal microflora in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 has yet to be evaluated. This study investigated fungal species present in the oral cavity of COVID-19 intensive care units´ patients and their health professionals. Methods: Oral swabs were used to collect one hundred twenty-eight individual specimens. The samples were cultured on CHROMagar and incubated at 37°C for 7 days. Following the manufacturer's instructions, an initial identification of the isolated fungal species was performed. Matrix-Assisted Laser desorption/Ionization-time of flight (MALDITOF) was implemented for the final identification of the fungal isolates. Species with lower MALDI-TOF scores were further investigated using PCR and DNA sequencing. Findings: Eight different Candida spp., Pichia spp., Ogataea polymorpha, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Trichosporum asahii were identified in the oral cavity of the investigated population. Comparative analysis using MALDI-TOF data and DNA sequences in phylogenetic analyses, showed a statistic correlation between the fungal species present in patients and health care providers, suggesting putative horizontal transmission between the two groups. Conclusions: Our data revealed several fungal opportunistic pathogens in COVID-19 patients and their putative transmission between patients and their physicians. This study alert the medical community to ensure the implementation of strict biosecurity strategies in hospital environments during high demand events.