ORAL CANDIDOSIS

Abstract

Candidiasis is a fungal infection produced by Candida sp microorganisms, and the specie most commonly found is C. albicans. The fungi of the genus Candida take part in the human oral microbiota and are opportunistic microorganisms that can become pathological when conditions that favor their growth come up, for example, when individual defense mechanisms are compromised. Clinical evidence of infection probably depends on three general factors: the immune status of the host, the environment of the oral mucosa and the resistance of Candida albicans. Oral candidiasis is considered by some authors as the most common lesion of soft tissues in the oral cavity. Microorganisms can develop on any mucosal surface. The treatment of infections caused by Candida spp. includes polyene such as nystatin and amphotericin B; azoles, including ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole, and recent azoles derivates such as voriconazole and posaconazole. The present study aimed to report a case of oral candidiasis, describing etiology, diagnosis and treatment.