Mucosal Immunology and Vaccine Development

Mucosal Diseases

Diseases of the mucous membranes are frequently more difficult to diagnose than skin diseases. This is somewhat due to alteration of the primary lesion either by the continuous mouth moisture or by different elements in the mouth or those reaching in the mouth from outside, either through food, mouthwashes or others.  A mucous cyst, also known as a mucocoele, is a fluid-filled swelling that arises on the lip or the mouth. Most cysts are on the lower lip but it can occur anywhere inside the oral cavity. Mucosal inflammation typically refers to inflammation or irritation of the mucus membranes. These are areas of the body which can produce mucus in an effort to filter out bacteria, viruses, and other intruders. This includes the nasal cavities, mouth, throat, eyes, vagina, lungs, and intestines. Inflammation can occur if bacteria or viruses cause an infection, if the area is cross by allergens or other foreign bodies, or due to fungal infection. The cyst grows when mucus from the mouth’s salivary glands becomes plugged. Some of the Skin diseases which associated with mucous membrane manifestations such as Pemphigus vulgaris, Lichen planus, Lupus erythematosus, Mucosal candidiasis, Viral diseases such as Koplik‘s spots of measles and herpes simplex, Syphilis.