Oral candidiasis: An opportunistic infection: A review

Abstract

The present review deals with oral candidiasis which is an opportunistic infection mainly caused by fungus Candida albicans. Candida infection is caused due to change in the host defense system where both immunological and non-immunological factors play essential roles making the condition favorable for proliferation of Candida. Oral candidiasis can be divided into acute, chronic and candida- associated lesions. The diagnosis of the candidal infection in the oral cavity can be determined by microscopic examination or biopsy in case of chronic hyperplastic candidiasis. The main line of treatment is by giving anti-fungal ointments that can be topically applied and in some cases systemic medication can also be administered.