Speakers - 2026

Title: Assessing the effect of probiotic on oral mucosal cytomorphometry and candida species colonisation in habitual tobacco chewers: An experimental study

Abstract

Background:

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent oral malignancy, with India bearing a significant global burden. Tobacco use is a major etiological factor, inducing cytogenetic changes such as micronuclei formation, while also promoting colonization by Candida species—particularly non-Candida albicans—which are implicated in oral carcinogenesis. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotics may modulate oral dysbiosis and reduce carcinogenic risk factors. This experimental study aimed to assess the impact of probiotic intervention on oral mucosal cytomorphometry and Candida colonization in habitual commercial tobacco chewers.

Methods:

The study will include participants aged 18–40 with a history of tobacco chewing for over 6 months. After ethical clearance and informed consent, participants will be divided into two groups. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will involve collecting oral mucosal swabs from the site of tobacco placement. One swab will be used for cytological evaluation of micronuclei using fluorescent microscopy; the other for culturing Candida species using CHROM agar. A 3-week probiotic course will be administered to the study group. Post-intervention, both cytomorphometric changes and species-specific Candida colonization will be re-evaluated.

Expected Results:

It is hypothesized that probiotic intervention will reduce cytogenetic damage (micronuclei frequency) and alter Candida colonization patterns by restoring oral microbial balance.

Conclusion: This study proposes a novel, non-invasive preventive strategy using probiotics to mitigate cytological and microbial alterations associated with tobacco use. If successful, this approach may contribute to lowering the risk of OSCC in high-risk populations.