Treatment strategies for oropharyngeal candidiasis.
BACKGROUND
Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a common oral disease that may cause oral symptoms, lead to regional infection (e.g., esophageal candidiasis) and increase the risk of systemic fungal infection in the compromised host.


OBJECTIVE
Critical review of the literature of prevention and therapy.


METHODS
The literature was reviewed using PubMed, and specific keywords from the MeSH Database were used.


CONCLUSIONS
Management of OPC requires that the underlying risk factors of infection be diagnosed and managed whenever possible. Antimicrobials may be provided as topical or systemic therapy. Topical therapies may provide effective management for candidiasis in the non-compromised host and increase the control of colonization in the compromised host. Advances in prevention and management include new agents and improved mechanisms of topical drug delivery.
Laudenbach
Joel M
JM
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, 801 South Paulina Street (MC 838), Rm 554A, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. lauden@uic.edu
Epstein
Joel B
JB
D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention
D000935:Antifungal Agents