An Opportunistic Infection: Oral Candidiasis

Abstract

Oral candidiasis is a potentially malignant oral disorders caused typically by yeast like fungus candida albicans and also by some non-albicans candida. Normally, these are the commensal inhabitant and commonest isolated species of the oral cavity, vagina & gastrointestinal tract.But it can act as an opportunistic pathogens when immunological defences and host's physical are altered. Therefore, Oral candidiasis is associated up to 90% of patients suffering from Human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) as their immune system is compromised. Pathogenesis of oral candidiasis involves yeast overgrowth and penetration in the oral epithelium followed by invasion in tissue by fungal hyphal supported by released of hydrolytic enzymes, formation and contact sensing. Clinically, there are multiple subtypes of candidiasis but commonly presented as white curd like removable plaque. Essential techniques that are employed for the diagnosis of candidal infections not only involves clinical examination but, also supplemented by smear, culture & immunological techniques. Although nystatin and amphotericin B were the most drugs used locally, whereas fluconazole for systemic treatment.