Candidiasis

Question 1

Define candidiasis.

Answer 1

Oral candidiasis involves a local infection of oral tissues by yeasts of the genus Candida, mostly C albicans.

Question 2

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of candidiasis.

Answer 2

Hyposalivation/xerostomia
Poor oral hygiene, especially among denture wearers
Malabsorption and malnutrition
Advanced malignancy
Cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy
HIV infection
Endocrine disturbance (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypoparathyroidism, pregnancy, hypoadrenalism)
Immunosuppressive agents (e.g., systemic corticosteroid therapy)
Current or recent past use of broad-spectrum or multiple narrow-spectrum antibiotics

Question 3

Summarise the epidemiology of candidiasis.

Answer 3

It is the most common oral fungal infection and is commonly seen in infants and older adults, and also with states of local and systemic immunological suppression.

Question 4

Recognise the presenting symptoms of candidiasis. Recognise the signs of candidiasis on physical examination.

Answer 4

Creamy white or yellowish plaques, fairly adherent to oral mucosa
Cracks, ulcers, or crusted fissures radiating from angles of the mouth (angular cheilitis).
Spotty red areas on the buccal mucosa
Lesions confined to the outline of a dental prosthesis

Question 5

Identify appropriate investigations for candidiasis and interpret the results.

Answer 5

Superficial smear of lesion for microscopy