Infection of the oral cavity
Candidiasis is the commonest fungal infection affecting human beings. Candida albicans is more pathogenic than the other candida species.
Candida albicans is found in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tracts and vagina.
Oral candidiasis or thrush can occur due to a variety of systemic factors or due to alteration of local factors. The systemic factors responsible for candidiasis cause immunosuppresion. The various systemic factors predisposing candidiasis are given below :
a.
Physiological factors such age and
genetic factors.
b. Hormonal factors such as hypoparathyroidism, DM and addison’s disease.
b. Hormonal factors such as hypoparathyroidism, DM and addison’s disease.
c.
Iatrogenic factors such as long term use of broad spectrum
antibiotics, cancer chemotherapy, radiotherapy
and immunosuppressive therapy.
d. Systemic factors such as carcinoma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, iron deficiency, pernicous anaemia, lichen planus, AIDS, hereditary disorders associated with impaired immune response.
e. Local factors such as use of dentures, angular cheilitis, overclosure of mouth, leukoplakia etc.
d. Systemic factors such as carcinoma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, iron deficiency, pernicous anaemia, lichen planus, AIDS, hereditary disorders associated with impaired immune response.
e. Local factors such as use of dentures, angular cheilitis, overclosure of mouth, leukoplakia etc.