Antimicrobial efficacy of silver nanoparticles against Candida albicans: A systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION: Denture-induced stomatitis is one form of candidiasis. It is characterised as inflammation and erythema of the oral mucosa underneath the denture-bearing areas and clinically classified into three types according to severity. Denture hygiene, appropriate mouth rinses and the use of antifungal therapy are commonly used to treat the condition, but new technologies are emerging that may assist in its treatment. AIM: The aim of this systematic review is to determine if silver nanoparticles inhibit the growth of Candida Albicans when included in acrylic dentures and in different denture liners. METHODOLOGY: A protocol was developed and published on PROSPERO (Registration No: CRD42019145542) and with the institutional ethics committee (Registration No: BM20/4/1). The protocol includes all aspects of a systematic review namely: selection criteria, search strategy, selection methods using predetermined eligibility criteria, data collection, data extraction, critical appraisal of included studies, and the intended statistical analyses such as calculating risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and presented at 95% confidence intervals, a meta-analysis, if possible or a narrative report as needed. EXPECTED RESULTS: With rigorous inclusion criteria set and databases identified for searching, appropriate clinical and laboratory studies may be obtained but the results and its interpretation and translation into clinical practice may be a challenge as these depend on the quality of the research.