Saliva as a Potential Diagnostic Tool to Evaluate Relationship between Oral Microbiome and Potentially Malignant Disorders for Prevention of Malignant Transformation

OBJECTIVE: The current research was conducted with an aim to assess the association of oral microbiome with Potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) because usage of tobacco in any form alters the normal microbiome and shifts it towards dysbiosis. Thus, our definitive knowledge of the oral commensal bacteria and oral cancer link can definitely be used as a potential adjunct to early diagnosis and management of PMDs and prevent it’s malignant transformation. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 100 individuals of minimum 18 years of age were included in the study which, were classified into 2 groups of tobacco users (50) and non-tobacco users (50). The tobacco users had a history of tobacco consumption for at least 5 years. RESULTS: The present study, showed highest percentage (72%) of anaerobic bacteria, followed by aerobic (22%) and lowest count of yeast (4%). CONCLUSION: The ecological shift to dysbiosis is a significant finding in oral carcinogenesis. Further investigation on a larger group of altered microbiomes will definitely help in establishing relationship of altered microbiome and PMDs, which can help in appropriate treatment and better prognosis.