Probiotics as a prophylaxis to prevent oral candidiasis in patients with Sjogren's syndrome: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial

32 patients with Sjogren's syndrome were randomised to a probiotic capsule (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) or placebo twice daily for 5 weeks, with oral rinse candidal counts measured at baseline and week 5. Candidal load fell significantly from baseline in the probiotic group, while the change in the placebo group was not statistically significant. Pain, erythema and angular cheilitis were assessed at 2, 4 and 5 weeks. The authors suggest probiotics may be an unconventional way to reduce candidal colonisation in this group.