Group of yeast that cause infection by penetrating epithelial tissue when immunocompromised

• Usually C. Albicans

Although Candida are considered normal flora in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts in humans, they are capable of local infection of mucous membranes (oropharyngeal candidiasis, oesophagitis, vulvovaginitis), focal invasion (endophthalmitis, meningitis, endocarditis), and dissemination (candidaemia).

Bypass body’s immune defences in an immunocompromised host and colonise skin and mucous membranes

Risk factors:

• Hyposalivation/ xerostomia (loss of protective effect)
• Poor oral hygiene
• Reduced immune response:
  • Malabsorption, malnutrition
  • Advanced malignancy
  • chemotherapy/radiotherapy
  • HIV
  • Endocrine disturbances - DM, pregnancy, hypoadrenalism
  • Immunosuppressive meds - CS therapy
  • Current or past use of broad spectrum Abx
• Age >60
• Female

PC

*Presence of risk factors

• Creamy white or yellowish plaques, fairly adherent to oral mucosa (thrush)
• Cracks, ulcers, crusted fissures radiating from angles of mouth (angular cheilitis)
• Spotty red areas on buccal mucosa
• Burning oral pain

Investigations