This type of fungal infection can arise from dry mouth, dentures and immunosuppression.

 Species that are responsible for causing such infection include Candida albicans, C glabrata,  C dubliniensis and C tropicalis.

 

There are different forms in which the candida infection can present;

• Pseudomembraneous

White patches on the tongue which can be removed painlessly by abrasion to reveal mucosal surface. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Erythrematous

Reddened and sore mucosal surface in the oral cavity but more commonly seen on the tongue.

 

• Angular cheilitis

Reddened soreness in the corner of the mouth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Denture stomatitis

 Soreness in the area surrounding the denture in the mouth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The candida infection may spread to other areas in proximal location such as the oesophagus. 

 

 

 

Treatment:

 In immunocompetant: A course of topical nystatin (1ml to rinse and swallowed 4 times a

day for a period of 7-14 days) or miconazole is recommended. If nystatin is given, dentures

should be removed prior to admministration of the drug and must wait for 30 minutes following chlorhexidine use or else nystatin will be deactivated.

In cases of persistent candiasis that do not respond to topical treatment, oral fluconazole can be considered.

 

Immunocompromised: A course of high dose fluconazole (50mg) for 7-14 days should be

considered.