Oral Candidosis Flashcards
What is oral candidiasis?
Fungal infection by candid species in the oral cavity.
What host defences exist against candida?
Oral epithelium- physical barrier
Microbial interactions- competition and inhibition by the oral flora
Salivary proteins- lysozyme, Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase, Glycoproteins, histamines, calprotectin, salivary sIgA antibodies.
Oral immune defences- innate and adaptive immune response.
Describe the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis.
C.Albicans adheres to the oral epithelial surface.
Hyphae invade the superficial epithelium and penetrate the surface via enzymes such as phospholipases, as far as the Stratum Spinosum.
Innate and adaptive immune system are activated- unable to defend the oral mucosa against the Candida albicans.
What type of candidal species exist?
Candida albicans
Candida Tropicalis
Candid Glabrata
What is the difference with white and red lesions of oral candidiasis?
White lesions are usually associated with hyphen forms of candida- pseudomembranous, candidiasis leukoplakia, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.
Red lesions- usually assoicted with yeast forms.
- Denture stomatitis, erythematous candidiasis.
What classification of oral candidiasis exists?
Pseudomembranous candidiasis
Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis- i.e. candida leukoplakia
Chronic mucocuteenous candidosis
Atrophic candidiasis- acute or chronic
- Denture-related stomatitis and angular cheilitis
- Steroid or antibiotic-induced stomatitis
Erythematous candidiasis
Chronic multifocal candidiasis
What local factors make someone more susceptible to candidal infection?
Hyposalivation
Smoking
Broad-spectrum antimicrobials
Oral corticosteroids
Dental appliances
Irradiation involving the mouth
What systemic factors make someone more likely to have oral candidiasis?
Extremities of age
Malnutrition
Cytotoxic chemotherapy
HIV
Leukaemias, lymphomas
Diabetes
Immunosuppressant drugs
Anaemia
