Evaluation of the dynamics of oral pathogenic microbiota in COVID-19 patients by genomic sequencing after application of foam with antimicrobial action

Relevance. The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has demonstrated the critical importance of understanding the mechanisms of transmission and finding effective methods of prevention. Particular attention has been paid to the role of oral hygiene, as the oral cavity serves as a major route of transmission. Studies show that the composition of the oral microbiota can influence the course and outcome of COVID-19 disease. Therefore, there is a need to study the effects of oral antiseptics on the microbiome, which may offer new opportunities for the prevention and treatment of this disease.Objective. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the oral cleansing foam «Parodontol PROF» in reducing the pathogenic microflora of the oral cavity in patients with COVID-19 and to assess its effect on the risk of secondary infections.Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the Clinical Medical Centre «Kuskovo» of Russian University of Medicine. It included 450 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The participants were divided into two groups: the test group used oral cleansing foam, while the control group used no additional oral hygiene. Comparative analyses of the taxonomic composition of the oropharyngeal microbiota and dental plaque before and after the use of the cleansing foam were performed.Results. The study showed that patients who regularly used the cleansing foam «Parodontol PROF» had a significant decrease in the representation of pathogens, including Mycoplasma, and an increase in the number of beneficial commensals such as Lactococcus and Lactobacillus. These changes indicate the potential efficacy of this product to improve oral hygiene and reduce the risk of secondary infections.Conclusion. The study supports the hypothesis that improving oral hygiene with specialised antiseptic agents, such as a cleansing foam, may help to reduce pathogenic microflora in the oral cavity in patients with COVID-19. This, in turn, may reduce the risk of pathogen migration into the lower respiratory tract and the development of secondary infections. The findings emphasise the importance of further research in this area and the development of comprehensive approaches to oral hygiene management in the context of infectious diseases.