Search Results (195)

Background: cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease which was previously thought to predominantly affect people of European ancestry but has been increasingly diagnosed in other populations. Although respiratory disease is the principal manifestation, poor nutritional status is a central determinant of pulmonary outcomes and survival. There are gaps in the literature on epidemiology, genetics, clinical manifestations and nutritional outcomes of CF in the Arab world. Methods: in this narrative review, we aim to synthesize and analyze nutrition-relevant data and explore how these relate to epidemiology, diagnostic pathways, genotype-phenotype relationships, and availability and access to care. Results: the published evidence across the region is heterogenous in nature but shows that malnutrition in CF is dominant in reported pediatric cohorts. The overall poor nutritional outcomes of CF in the Arab world reflect the multifactorial effects of disease biology, diagnostics, healthcare capacity, and treatment access, as well as psychosocial and social and structural determinants of health. Conclusions: improving CF-related nutritional status in the region requires early diagnosis of the disease, ideally through newborn screening, proactive intervention, multidisciplinary care, access to therapies including modulator therapy, and the establishment of collaborative registries that capture existing genetic diversity and healthcare disparities while tracking clinical and nutritional outcomes. Full article

The first 1000 days of life, spanning from conception to approximately two years of age, represent a period of exceptional biological plasticity during which nutritional, metabolic, inflammatory, psychosocial, microbial, and environmental exposures may shape developmental trajectories across the life course. For this narrative review, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to June 2026, focusing primarily on human cohorts, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, guidelines, and consensus documents, with selected experimental studies included for mechanistic evidence. Within the framework of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD), we examine the epigenetic, oxidative, inflammatory, mitochondrial, and telomere-related mechanisms proposed to link early-life exposures with lifelong health and biological aging. Because most human evidence in this field is observational, whereas much of the mechanistic evidence derives from experimental models, these relationships are presented as associations and biologically plausible hypotheses rather than as demonstrated causal pathways. We then consider how these processes may become clinically apparent during childhood through four illustrative “sentinel phenotypes”—allergic and atopic disease, respiratory vulnerability, renal–cardiovascular risk, and altered metabolic growth—proposed here as a conceptual framework rather than as an established classification. We also review preventive opportunities during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood. Overall, the first 1000 days should be viewed as a critical window for developmental health, while the specific contribution of this review is to integrate early-life biological mechanisms with clinically observable pediatric sentinel phenotypes within the broader framework of biological and healthy aging. Full article

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent and heterogeneous sleep disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep, resulting in intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, sympathetic activation, and increased cardiometabolic risk. Although obesity is the most recognized modifiable risk factor, growing evidence indicates that nutritional factors influence OSA through mechanisms extending beyond body weight regulation, including systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, gut microbiota alterations, and metabolic dysregulation. The emergence of precision medicine and incretin-based therapies has further highlighted the need to integrate personalized nutritional approaches into OSA management. A literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify experimental studies, observational studies, randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and international clinical guidelines addressing nutritional mechanisms, dietary patterns, gut microbiota, chrononutrition, incretin-based therapies, and precision nutrition in adults with OSA. Current evidence suggests that nutritional interventions may influence OSA through multiple biological pathways beyond weight reduction. Mediterranean and DASH dietary patterns are associated with favorable cardiometabolic effects, while dietary fiber, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and other antioxidant compounds may modulate pathways related to inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial function, and metabolic regulation. However, evidence directly demonstrating improvements in objective respiratory outcomes remains limited and heterogeneous. Emerging research also suggests potential roles for gut microbiota modulation and chrononutrition in metabolic and sleep regulation, although most evidence remains mechanistic, observational, or indirect. In addition, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dual incretin agonists have demonstrated clinically relevant reductions in body weight and OSA severity, providing opportunities for integration with nutritional management. Nevertheless, evidence supporting phenotype-specific and biomarker-guided nutritional interventions remains insufficient. Nutrition represents a promising adjunctive strategy in the multidisciplinary management of OSA by targeting inflammatory, metabolic, vascular, and microbiome-related mechanisms that extend beyond weight loss alone. Future research should focus on precision nutrition approaches integrating metabolic phenotyping, biomarkers, gut microbiota, and digital health technologies to optimize personalized treatment and improve long-term clinical outcomes. Full article

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare, life-limiting genetic disorder characterized by abnormally thick mucus secretions that obstruct the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tracts. Globally, CF affects an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 individuals. This study investigated nutritional awareness and dietary management among caregivers of pediatric CF patients. Specifically, it evaluated parental nutritional knowledge, caregiving behaviors, and patients’ actual nutrient intake and diet quality relative to established clinical guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 50 parents and their children with CF (aged 4–18 years) receiving specialized care at Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem, Palestine. Data collection utilized a comprehensive parental questionnaire alongside a 3-day food diary completed by participants. Objective clinical status and biochemical markers were extracted directly from patients’ medical records. CF-specific recommendations were used where available, and general pediatric reference values were used otherwise. Results: A significant disparity (p ≤ 0.05) was observed between patients’ actual dietary intake and the recommended daily allowances for protein, carbohydrates, zinc, and calcium; however, intakes of sodium and iron did not differ significantly from guidelines. Higher patient adherence to dietary recommendations was significantly associated with superior lung function (measured via FEV1) and optimal serum albumin levels (p ≤ 0.05). Notably, 38% of the study sample were classified as underweight, and 76.9% of children with available 25(OH)D measurements (30/39) exhibited concentrations below 30 ng/mL. Clinical and biochemical measurements were not available for all participants. Caregiver nutritional knowledge was not significantly associated with the measured clinical or biochemical outcomes, whereas better patient dietary adherence was associated with higher FEV1% predicted and serum albumin concentrations. Conclusion: The high prevalence of underweight status and micronutrient deficiencies highlights a critical need for targeted nutritional education and clinical counseling programs. Enhancing awareness among patients and parents is essential to correct dietary deficits, optimize growth, and improve long-term health outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: A restrictive spirometric pattern (RSP), characterized by reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) with a preserved FEV1/FVC ratio, has been associated with adverse health outcomes and metabolic disorders. This study investigated differences in the prevalence of RSP and pulmonary function between 2019 and 2024 among Korean adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2019 and 2024 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 4856 adults aged ≥40 years without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were included. RSP was defined as FVC < 80% predicted among participants with an FEV1/FVC ratio ≥ 0.70. Pulmonary function and RSP prevalence were compared between survey years using complex sample analyses. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between the post-pandemic period and RSP. Results: The prevalence of RSP increased significantly from 2.31% in 2019 to 3.58% in 2024 (p = 0.025). FVC, FEV1, and FVC percent predicted significantly decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic (all p < 0.001), whereas the FEV1/FVC ratio (p = 0.166) and peak expiratory flow (p = 0.671) remained unchanged. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and metabolic factors, the post-pandemic period remained independently associated with RSP (odds ratio, 1.571; 95% confidence interval, 1.036–2.380; p = 0.033). Conclusions: The prevalence of RSP increased significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic and was accompanied by declines in lung volume-related pulmonary function without evidence of increased airflow obstruction. These findings highlight the importance of strategies targeting metabolic health, obesity, and physical function to preserve respiratory health in the post-pandemic era. Full article

Oxidative stress is a major constraint limiting animal health and productive performance by disrupting redox homeostasis, mitochondrial function, intestinal integrity, and mineral metabolism. Agronomic biofortification of forage with essential trace minerals represents a promising nutritional strategy; however, its physiological and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of dietary zinc–iron (Zn–Fe) biofortified alfalfa on oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, mineral transport, mitochondrial bioenergetics, intestinal barrier integrity, inflammatory responses, tissue mineral deposition, and growth performance in guinea pigs. Forty-eight male guinea pigs were allocated to six experimental groups according to dietary treatment (control, Zn-biofortified alfalfa, or Zn–Fe biofortified alfalfa) and oxidative stress status. Oxidative biomarkers, antioxidant enzyme activities, inflammatory mediators, mineral concentrations, targeted RT–qPCR, mitochondrial function, intestinal histomorphology, and multivariate physiological analyses were performed. Zn–Fe biofortified alfalfa markedly reduced reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, advanced oxidation protein products, and the oxidative stress index while significantly increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and the glutathione redox ratio. Targeted gene-expression analysis demonstrated coordinated upregulation of intestinal mineral transporters (ZIP4, DMT1, and MT1), activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, increased expression of mitochondrial regulatory genes, and suppression of inflammatory mediators. These molecular responses were accompanied by improved ATP production, mitochondrial membrane potential, respiratory-chain activity, preservation of intestinal villus architecture, enhanced expression of tight-junction proteins, increased tissue Zn and Fe deposition, superior feed efficiency, and greater body weight gain. Integrated physiological analyses consistently identified the Zn–Fe biofortified treatment as the highest-performing physiological phenotype, indicating coordinated adaptation across multiple biological systems. These findings demonstrate that Zn–Fe biofortified alfalfa enhances oxidative stress resilience through simultaneous regulation of mineral transport, antioxidant defense, mitochondrial bioenergetics, intestinal barrier integrity, and systemic physiological performance. Agronomic biofortification of forage therefore represents a promising nutritional strategy for improving animal health, mineral utilization, and productive efficiency under oxidative stress. Full article

Background/Objectives: Highly effective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy has changed cystic fibrosis (CF) care, but Romanian patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data remain limited. This national cross-sectional mixed-methods survey aimed to describe patient- and parent-reported HRQoL in Romanian people with CF (pwCF) aged ≥6 years using age-appropriate Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) versions, with the respiratory domain as the primary outcome. Methods: The online survey was conducted between February and April 2026. Respondents provided demographic and clinical data, including genotype/F508del status, CFTR modulator status, percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (ppFEV₁) category, weight, height, and IV antibiotic-treated pulmonary exacerbations in the previous year. CFQ-R scores were summarized descriptively, and exploratory unadjusted associations were assessed using Mann–Whitney U tests and Spearman correlations. Open-ended responses were analyzed descriptively. Results: Of 67 responses, 61 were included: 43 participants aged 6–13 years and 18 aged ≥14 years. Most respondents were currently receiving CFTR modulators (52/61, 85.2%), predominantly elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor. Mean CFQ-R Respiratory scores were 74.5 ± 23.1 in parent-proxy questionnaires for children aged 6–13 years, 83.3 ± 11.8 in self-reported questionnaires for children aged 12–13 years, and 69.8 ± 27.4 among respondents aged ≥14 years. Respiratory scores were higher among currently treated respondents and those with at least one F508del variant, and lower among those reporting IV antibiotic-treated exacerbations. Treatment burden remained among the lower-scoring domains. Qualitative responses described perceived respiratory, nutritional, and functional improvements, alongside residual treatment burden, psychosocial challenges, and access-related expectations. Conclusions: This national Romanian mixed-methods survey provides descriptive, exploratory CFQ-R-based HRQoL data in the CFTR modulator era. The findings suggest more favorable respiratory HRQoL among currently treated respondents, while supporting continued multidimensional patient-reported outcome monitoring in Romanian CF care. Full article

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease, are major causes of death worldwide; addressing NCDs is thus essential. NCDs may contribute to health disparities between rural and urban areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered medical and social environments, and NCD management approaches may have changed accordingly. This scoping review aimed to examine themes of reported rural healthcare challenges related to NCD management before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A literature search of original articles was conducted via PubMed. A thematic analysis was applied to compare the content of studies classified as pre-pandemic and post-pandemic. A total of 23 articles were identified, including 12 studies classified as pre-pandemic and 11 studies classified as post-pandemic. Before the pandemic, commonly reported challenges included low management rates of hypertension and diabetes, instability in pharmaceutical supply, and insufficient training of healthcare personnel. We integrated these into a theme related to “healthcare”. After the pandemic, in addition to the low management rates, studies increasingly addressed mental and nutritional health, multimorbidity, and socioeconomic disparities. We integrated there into a theme related to “society”. Namely, studies classified as pre-pandemic primarily reported healthcare-related aspects, whereas studies classified as post-pandemic more frequently reported broader societal aspects in addition to healthcare-related aspects. These findings may reflect changes in how rural healthcare challenges related to NCDs have been recognized and discussed following the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is needed to clarify the significance and implications of these reported themes. Full article

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is a major cause of lameness in modern broiler chickens. It remains a persistent challenge in the broiler industry, resulting in substantial economic losses and serious animal health concerns. The pathogenesis of BCO involves rapid muscle growth, resulting in disproportionate body weight relative to skeletal maturity, thereby increasing mechanical stress and leading to microfractures and osteochondrotic clefts in the proximal growth plates of the femora and tibiae. Infection progresses via hematogenous dissemination and colonization of the leg bones by opportunistic pathogens, primarily Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and Escherichia coli, originating from the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract, leading to chronic inflammation, ischemia, biofilm formation, and progressive bone necrosis. Control strategies, including selective breeding, enhanced management and production practices, nutritional interventions, and the administration of antimicrobial agents, offer partial mitigation but have failed to provide a permanent solution to BCO incidence. Vaccination is one of the most promising and targeted immunological approaches to enhance the host immune responses against bacterial pathogens. Electron beam (eBeam) inactivated vaccines represent a significant advancement among available vaccination strategies. This review leverages current knowledge of the etiology, pathophysiology, control measures, and the use of eBeam technology (EBT) in vaccine development to provide a scientifically grounded and innovative approach to controlling BCO-associated lameness in broiler chickens. This article also provides insights into future directions for integrated, antibiotic-free strategies to mitigate BCO and revenue losses, enhance broiler welfare, ensure consumer safety, and support the long-term sustainability of the global poultry industry. Full article

Background: Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) are at increased risk of altered postnatal growth and early metabolic vulnerability. Early feeding practices may modulate these outcomes, but evidence from Eastern Europe remains limited. Objective: To evaluate the influence of birth weight and early nutrition on anthropometric outcomes at 2–3 years of age in former SGA infants in Romania, and to examine associations with allergies, respiratory infections, and food intolerances. Methods: We conducted a retrospective comparative study including two cohorts of term SGA infants born in a Romanian tertiary hospital in 2010–2011 (n = 600) and 2020–2021 (n = 508). Perinatal data were extracted from medical records; anthropometrics and feeding practices at 2–3 years were obtained via parental telephone interviews. BMI z-scores were calculated using WHO standards. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of overweight/obesity and selected health outcomes. Results: Breastfeeding increased markedly over one decade (59.1% vs. 35.5%, p < 0.001), as did appropriate complementary feeding (74.2% vs. 66.3%, p = 0.005). Obesity prevalence decreased from 29.5% to 22.4% at 2 years and from 32.7% to 20.7% at 3 years (both p < 0.001), while overweight prevalence increased slightly. In the historical cohort, mixed feeding (vs. formula) predicted overweight/obesity at 2 years (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.52–4.43, p < 0.001); the association was directionally similar but not significant in the contemporary cohort (aOR 1.62, 95% CI 0.75–3.47, p = 0.215). Breastfeeding was protective in both cohorts. Appropriate complementary feeding was associated with lower allergy prevalence in the historical cohort (14.8% vs. 24.8%, p = 0.004). Food intolerances increased over time (16.3% to 27.6%, p < 0.001), while respiratory infections showed no significant differences. Conclusions: In this Romanian SGA population, early feeding practices improved substantially over one decade and were associated with more favorable weight outcomes, including a notable reduction in obesity. Mixed feeding emerged as a potential risk factor for early overweight, whereas breastfeeding remained protective. Despite these improvements, former SGA infants continue to exhibit elevated risk for early-onset overweight and obesity, underscoring the need for targeted nutritional counseling and longitudinal monitoring. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evidence suggests that assessment of neonatal body fat mass (FM) may provide additional insight into the relationship between disrupted fetal growth and neonatal health outcomes. Our objective was to determine whether neonatal body composition parameters are associated with hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and respiratory distress syndrome. Methods: We conducted a prospective study of preterm neonates born at ≤37 weeks of gestational age. Body composition was measured in the first week of life with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results: We studied 101 neonates of mean gestational age 32.2 ± 3.2 weeks and mean birth weight 1792 ± 706 g. Neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) had a significantly lower FM percentage (6.8 ± 3.6 compared with 8.3 ± 3.6%, p = 0.038), and higher free-FM percentage (93.1 ± 3.6 compared with 91.6 ± 3.4%, p = 0.041), compared with non-IUGR neonates. Compared with neonates with normal FM, neonates with decreased FM presented higher rates of hypothermia (35% compared with 9%, p = 0.005), hypoglycemia (46% compared with 9%, p < 0.001), and respiratory distress syndrome (58% compared with 27%, p = 0.008). Decreased FM percentage was significantly associated with hypoglycemia (OR 8.06, 95%CI 2.49–26.08, p < 0.001), hypothermia (OR 8.11, 95%CI 2.24–29.32, p = 0.001), and respiratory distress syndrome (OR 13.90, 95%CI 4.07–27.42, p < 0.001) after adjusting for gestational age, sex, and antenatal steroid administration. Conclusions: Lower FM percentage showed stronger associations with common neonatal morbidities, compared with standard anthropometric measurements alone. When a low FM percentage is detected, even when birth weight is normal, neonates at risk of undernutrition-related morbidity may benefit from closer nutritional and metabolic monitoring. Full article

Background: Type 2 inflammatory diseases are among the most common chronic inflammatory conditions in childhood and represent a growing global health burden. Increasing evidence suggests that early-life nutritional exposures may influence immune programming and allergic disease development. This Position Paper aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the immunomodulatory role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3 long-chain fatty acids, in the prevention of allergic diseases during early life. Methods: A scoping literature review and consensus process were conducted to map biological mechanisms and clinical evidence linking omega-3 PUFAs with allergic disease prevention. This document analyzed experimental, observational, and randomized controlled studies evaluating maternal prenatal/lactational omega-3 exposure. The clinical evidence was qualitatively appraised using study-design-specific Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools. Particular attention was given to immune modulation, inflammatory pathways, epithelial barrier function, gut microbiota interactions, and the ferroptosis–immune–metabolic axis. Results: Omega-3 PUFAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), exert immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects through multiple mechanisms, including specialized pro-resolving mediator production, regulation of T-helper cell responses, cytokine modulation, maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity, and microbiota interaction. Emerging evidence also supports their involvement in oxidative stress and ferroptosis regulation. Current clinical evidence, particularly from higher-quality prenatal randomized trials and evidence syntheses, suggests that adequate maternal omega-3 intake during pregnancy and lactation may reduce the risk of respiratory allergic outcomes, especially wheezing and asthma, in selected offspring. Conclusions: Adequate omega-3 PUFA intake, such as 2 g/die, during critical windows of immune maturation may represent a valuable strategy for the primary prevention of allergic diseases. Current evidence most strongly supports supplementation during pregnancy and lactation, particularly in populations with low dietary omega-3 intake or increased allergic risk. Omega-3 supplementation should be considered within a broader multifactorial preventive approach aimed at promoting immune tolerance and reducing the future burden of allergic diseases. Full article

Oral health has significant implications for pulmonary outcomes, particularly among individuals with dysphagia who are at risk for aspiration. Moreover, oral health and condition affect nutrition accessibility and status. Inadequate oral hygiene promotes bacterial colonization, plaque accumulation, and aspiration-related respiratory complications. This narrative review aimed to explore current evidence and expert perspectives across palliative medicine, pulmonary and critical care, and dentistry on the role of oral hygiene in supporting pulmonary health and maintaining opportunities for oral nutrition. A comprehensive literature search was conducted through the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center digital library using Cochrane Library (Wiley), EBSCO Discovery, Embase, Ovid databases, PubMed, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar between 14 January 2026 and 1 April 2026. From 1287 identified records, 70 studies were selected to be highlighted in the manuscript after duplicate removal and eligibility screening. Relevant literature was reviewed to examine associations among dysphagia, oral health and condition, oral hygiene and care protocols, feeding route, salivary composition and function, and respiratory outcomes. Emphasis was placed on studies addressing pneumonia, oral versus tube feeding, and evidence-based oral care practices. Findings indicate that pneumonia, depression, and mortality rates are higher in patients receiving tube feeding compared to oral feeding. Evidence-based oral care practices inclusive of mechanical plaque disruption, oral cleansing products (Chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium bicarbonate), and structured oral hygiene protocols can reduce pulmonary consequences of aspiration and support safer/least risk oral intake. Saliva plays a pivotal role in plaque breakdown, microbial defense, and host immunity; oral feeding helps to preserve salivary function. Results of this review highlight the importance of oral hygiene in both restorative and palliative care contexts. This review establishes a framework for embedding oral cleansing agents and protocols into a nutrition-focused health care infrastructure. Based on the literature analysis and inter- and multidisciplinary clinical expertise of the author group, the manuscript proposes consensus statements intended as expert guidance rather than formal clinical practice guidelines. Adherence to best practices in oral care can mitigate pulmonary consequences of aspiration amid dysphagia, make oral nutrition more accessible and comfortable, sustain opportunities for least risk oral feeding across diagnoses and health care settings, and improve quality of life for patients with dysphagia amid life-limiting illness. Full article

This narrative review presents examples of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in horse nutrition. Fats are essential in equine nutrition, serving not only as an energy source but also as functional components influencing health. Among them, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly EPA and DHA, play a key role in modulating inflammatory and metabolic processes. This review summarizes their effects on respiratory health, equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), musculoskeletal function, reproduction, and early development. Omega-3 supplementation has been shown to support airway inflammation in horses, especially when combined with low-dust management practices. In EMS, these fatty acids support insulin regulation and reduce systemic inflammation, although they are not curative. In the musculoskeletal system, omega-3s help limit inflammation and cartilage degradation. Their reproductive benefits include improved semen quality in stallions and enhanced fatty acid profiles in mare’s milk, supporting foal development. The proposed mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acids’ effect are also provided. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids are a valuable supplement in equine functional nutrition and disease management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a frequent cause of community-acquired pneumonia, but it is increasingly recognized for extrapulmonary complications, specifically Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM). This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess the frequency of clinical features, diagnostic criteria and outcomes of oral mucositis in patients with confirmed MP infection. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, covering the period 2015–2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed in vivo studies, case reports, and case series in English focusing on MP-associated mucositis. Methodological quality was assessed using JBI checklists for case-based evidence and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. Two clinical cases were reported. Results: Out of 242 identified records, 42 studies were included, involving 140 patients with a notable male predominance (62%). Oral involvement was reported in 92.9% of cases, often characterized by severe ulcerations, hemorrhagic crusting, and debilitating pain. Intensive Care Unit admission was required in 21.5% of cases due to severe systemic or mucosal disease, with 14.3% necessitating parenteral nutrition. Quality assessment indicated moderate-to-high methodological rigor across most included studies. Conclusions: MIRM represents a significant clinical entity where oral mucositis is a dominant feature, often preceding or overshadowing respiratory symptoms. Early recognition by oral health professionals is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis, ensure appropriate multidisciplinary care, and implement supportive or immunomodulatory therapies that reduce morbidity and hospitalization length. Full article