The study of the oral microbiota of patients with “geographical” tongue and burning syndrome

Objective. To study the oral microbiota of patients with geographic tongue and burning tongue syndrome before and after treatment. Material and Methods. The composition of the oral microbiota was studied in 40 patients with geographic tongue, aged 18 to 65 years. Complaints of burning and discomfort in the tongue were mandatory inclusion criteria. Microbiological testing was performed before and after treatment using cultures of the oral mucosa, including the tongue, on differential diagnostic media, followed by microorganism identification and determination of susceptibility to antifungal drugs and bacteriophages. Results. In 52.2% of patients with geographic tongue and burning tongue syndrome, opportunistic microorganisms were detected in the oral microbiota before treatment, at levels below reference values. In 37.5% of cases, an increase in one or more opportunistic microorganisms above reference values was observed, with the absence of lactobacilli. Candidiasis was detected in 12.5% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 10.0% of patients, with changes in the levels of other opportunistic microorganisms. After treatment, the oral microbiome composition of patients with geographic tongue and burning tongue syndrome remained unchanged in 90.0% of cases, with no Staphylococcus aureus or Enterobacteriaceae spp. isolated. 70.0% of patients continued to complain of tongue spots, and 47.5% reported a burning sensation and discomfort. Conclusion. Treatment of patients with geographic tongue and burning tongue syndrome, aimed at correcting the qualitative and quantitative composition of the oral microbiota, improves clinical symptoms and microbiological parameters.