Introduction to oral and oropharyngeal infection caused by Candida and related species

Oral or oropharyngeal candidiasis (also referred to as thrush) is an opportunistic infection that is caused by Candida and related species1 (commensal organisms of the oral cavity).

Oral and oropharyngeal candidiasis is uncommon in healthy individuals; however, it occurs relatively commonly in healthy neonates via perinatal transmission, during breastfeeding, or if there is a Candida infection elsewhere in the neonate (eg diaper rash). See Common risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal candidiasis for a list of common risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Table 1. Common risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal candidiasis

Local factors

Systemic factors

dentures

dry mouth

corticosteroid inhalersMiravitlles, 2021

poor oral hygiene

smoking

radiation therapy

immune compromise (eg immunosuppressant therapy)

drugs (eg antibiotics)

nutritional deficiency (eg iron or vitamin B deficiency)

Advice on the management of infections caused by Candida and related species is also included in Therapeutic Guidelines for patients with:

1 Some yeast species that were previously considered Candida species have been reclassified and are now considered candida-like and may be reported with a new name (eg Nakaseomyces glabratus, Pichia kudriavzevii)Borman 2021. For a list of common Candida and related species and (if applicable) revised species names, see Common Candida and related species, and changes to nomenclature.Return