Oral candidiasis overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Candidiasis of the mouth and throat is a fungal infection that occurs when there is overgrowth of a yeast called Candida. Candida yeasts normally live on the skin or mucous membranes in small amounts. However, if the environment inside the mouth or throat becomes imbalanced, the yeasts can multiply and cause symptoms. Candida overgrowth can also develop in the esophagus, and this is called Candida esophagitis, or esophageal candidiasis.
Pathophysiology
Candida albicans and C. glabrata. Less commonly, C.tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei. Rarely, other Candida species. Most cases of OPC are caused by the person’s own Candida organisms which normally live in the mouth or digestive tract. A person has symptoms when overgrowth of Candida organisms occurs. Most infections are endogenous in origin, but organisms can be transmitted on the hands of care givers.
Causes
Oral candidiasis, is an infection of yeast fungus, Candida albicans, (or, less commonly, Candida glabrata or Candida tropicalis or C. parapsilosis or C. krusei or other candida species) in the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Treatment
Primary Prevention
Good oral hygiene practices may help to prevent oral thrush in people with weakened immune systems. Some studies have shown that chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash can help to prevent oral candidiasis in people undergoing cancer treatment. People who use inhaled corticosteroids may be able to reduce the risk of developing thrush by washing out the mouth with water or mouthwash after using an inhaler.
Secondary Prevention
Nosocomial disease surveillance is conducted by NNIS in selected hospitals. Active population-based surveillance for candidemia is being conducted in selected U.S. sites.