Oral Candidiasis: a Review in Hiv Seropositive Patients

Candida are true ‘opportunistic pathogens’ and only instigate oral infection when there is an underlying predisposing condition in the host. Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a common occurrence in the course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression. The majority of infections are due to Candida albicans although other species such as Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida krussei and Candida parapsilosis are increasingly isolated. The prevalence varies depending on certain predisposing factors. The article reviews common clinical types of candidiasis, its diagnosis current treatment modalities. The systemic azoles, ketoconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole, have been an important benefit in treatment. To date, resistance has primarily been a problem with fluconazole in Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).