Diagnosis and Management of Pseudomembranous Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a common opportunistic oral Candida infection that develops in the presence of one of several predisposing conditions [1,2]. The term Candida originates from the Latin word candid, meaning white. The spores of Candida are a commensal, harmless form of a dimorphic fungus that becomes invasive and pathogenic pseudohyphae when there is a disturbance in the balance of flora or in debilitation of the host [3,4]. The most common species being Candida albicans and the other species include Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida pseudotropicalis, Candida guilliermondii, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida krusei [5]. Oral candidiasis is also known as oral candidosis, oral thrush, moniliasis, oral mycosis, oral yeast infection, or Candidal stomatitis. Candidal species are relatively common inhabitant of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina of clinically normal persons. Candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of the superficial fungus Candida albicans (C. albicans) [6,7]. C. albicans is a commensal organism residing in the oral cavity in a majority of healthy persons [1,2]. Oral candidiasis is one of the most common, treatable oral mucosal infections seen in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Oral candidiasis can be a frequent and significant source of oral discomfort, pain, loss of taste, and aversion to food [3,8].