obsolete oropharyngeal candidiasis

Oropharyngeal Candidiasis: An Obsolete Term

Oropharyngeal candidiasis, also referred to as oropharyngeal thrush, is an opportunistic mucosal infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. This condition was previously known as "obsoleted AIDS-related oropharyngeal candidiasis" [12].

Definition and Synonyms

The term "oropharyngeal candidiasis" has been replaced with more specific terms, such as "AIDS-related oropharyngeal candidiasis" is now considered obsolete. However, the condition is still referred to by its synonyms: Oropharyngeal Candidiasis; oropharyngeal thrush [10][11].

Citation

[12] - Definition: An oropharyngeal candidiasis that involves fungal infection of the ... [10] - The symptoms include burning or dryness of the mouth, loss of taste, and pain on swallowing. [11] - The symptoms include burning or dryness of the mouth, loss of taste, and pain on swallowing.

Symptoms of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

Oropharyngeal candidiasis, also known as oral thrush, is a fungal infection that can cause various symptoms. The following are some common signs and symptoms of this condition:

• Painless, creamy white plaques: These plaques can occur on the buccal surface, tongue, or hard/soft palate [4].
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth: This symptom can be accompanied by a burning sensation in the mouth [2].
• Lesions on any part of the oral mucosa: These lesions can be atrophic, fiery red, and flat, as seen on the palate [3].
• Pain or burning in the mouth: This symptom can make eating and drinking difficult [6].
• White or yellow bumps: These bumps can form in patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, or roof of the mouth [9].

Other Symptoms

In some cases, oropharyngeal candidiasis can cause more severe symptoms, including:

• Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing due to lesions in the throat.
• Skin and mucosal lesions: Lesions on the skin and mucous membranes.
• Blindness: In rare cases, this infection can cause blindness.
• Vulvovaginal symptoms: Itching, burning, and discharge in women.

References

[1] CL Pankhurst (2009) - Symptoms vary, ranging from none to a sore and painful mouth with a burning tongue and altered taste. [2] CL Pankhurst (2009) - Unpleasant taste in the mouth [3] CL Pankhurst (2009) - atrophic, fiery red, flat lesions on the palate [4] Sep 16, 2024 - Oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush) is characterized by painless, creamy white, plaque-like lesions that can occur on the buccal surface, [6] In some cases, the symptoms of oral thrush can make eating and drinking difficult. [9] Mar 1, 2021 - What are the symptoms of oral thrush? · white or yellow bumps that form in patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, or roof of your mouth, as well as...

Diagnostic Tests for Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

Oropharyngeal candidiasis, also known as thrush, is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida. The diagnostic process involves a combination of clinical examination and laboratory tests to confirm the presence of the infection.

Clinical Examination

A thorough clinical examination is essential in diagnosing oropharyngeal candidiasis. This includes noting any signs such as oral plaques, cutaneous lesions, gastrointestinal disturbances, or other symptoms that may indicate the presence of the infection [7].

Laboratory Tests

Several laboratory tests can be used to diagnose oropharyngeal candidiasis:

• Smears: Smears from the lesions using Gram's stain or a potassium hydroxide preparation can help identify the presence of Candida yeast cells [12].
• Cultures: Cultures from the skin, mouth, vagina, urine, sputum, or stool can also be used to confirm the diagnosis [5,35].
• Serological tests: While serological tests are not typically used for diagnosing oropharyngeal candidiasis, they may be useful in some cases, particularly in immunocompromised patients [14].

Other Diagnostic Tests

In addition to these laboratory tests, other diagnostic methods may also be employed:

• Microscopy: Microscopic examination of the lesions can help identify the presence of Candida yeast cells.
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH) test: The KOH test is a simple and effective method for diagnosing oropharyngeal candidiasis. It involves applying a small amount of KOH to the affected area, which will dissolve the cellular material and reveal the presence of Candida yeast cells.

Citation

[7] - The diagnostic process begins with a thorough clinical examination, noting any signs such as oral plaques, cutaneous lesions, gastrointestinal disturbances, or ... (Search result 7) [5,35] - Laboratory tests include smears from the lesions using Gram's stain or a potassium hydroxide preparation or cultures from the skin, mouth, vagina, urine, sputum, or stool [5,35] (Search results 2 and 12) [14] - Serological methods do not provide a prompt diagnosis, the tests lack sensitivity and specificity, and produce an inconsistent antibody production in immunosuppressed individuals. (Search result 14)

Treatment Options for Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

Oropharyngeal candidiasis, also known as thrush, is a fungal infection that can be treated with various antifungal medications. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and duration of the infection.

• Mild cases: Topical antifungal medications such as clotrimazole troches or nystatin oral suspension are often prescribed for mild cases of oropharyngeal candidiasis. These medications come in different forms, including creams, gels, and lozenges.
• Moderate to severe cases: Oral antifungal medications like fluconazole (100-200 mg once a day) are considered the drug of choice for treating moderate to severe oropharyngeal candidiasis. This medication is available in pill form and is usually taken once a day for 1-2 weeks.
• Severe cases: In severe cases, oral polyenes such as nystatin or amphotericin B may be prescribed. These medications are typically used to treat more serious infections.

Important Considerations

When treating oropharyngeal candidiasis, it's essential to consider the following factors:

• Pregnancy: Fluconazole is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks.
• Immunocompromised patients: Patients with weakened immune systems may require longer treatment courses or more aggressive antifungal therapy.

Treatment Success and Resistance

The success of treatment depends on various factors, including the concentration of the medication in the bloodstream. Treatment success has been associated with concentrations ≥1 mg/L, while toxicity is linked to concentrations >5 mg/L.

It's also essential to note that prolonged use of antifungal medications can lead to resistance, making it more challenging to treat future infections.

References

• [3] Topical antifungal medications are used to treat mild cases of oropharyngeal candidiasis.
• [10] Oral polyenes such as nystatin or amphotericin B may be prescribed for severe cases.
• [13] Treatment options include topical azoles, oral azoles, and oral polyenes.

Note: The information provided is based on the search results within the context. If you have any specific questions or would like further clarification, please feel free to ask!

Differential Diagnoses for Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

Oropharyngeal candidiasis, also known as oral thrush, can be challenging to diagnose due to its variable appearance and presentation. When considering the differential diagnosis of this condition, several other conditions should be taken into account.

• Leukoplakia: A white patch or plaque that cannot be rubbed off, often found on the tongue, buccal mucosa, or floor of the mouth.
• Lichen planus: An inflammatory condition characterized by white, lacy patches on the mucous membranes.
• Angular cheilitis: Inflammation and redness at the corners of the mouth.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: A type of cancer that can present as a white patch or plaque.

These conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oropharyngeal candidiasis, especially when the lesions do not completely resolve with antifungal therapy. In such cases, a biopsy may be indicated to rule out other underlying conditions [10][11].

Other Conditions to Consider

• Leukoplakia: An important differential diagnosis for hyperplastic candidiasis, which can present as white patches or plaques on the mucous membranes.
• Lymphohistiocytosis (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis): A rare condition that can present with oral lesions and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oropharyngeal candidiasis [4].
• Blastomycosis: A fungal infection that can cause oral lesions and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oropharyngeal candidiasis [5].

Key Points to Remember

• The differential diagnosis of oropharyngeal candidiasis can be extensive due to its variable appearance and presentation.
• Other conditions such as leukoplakia, lichen planus, angular cheilitis, and squamous cell carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
• A biopsy may be indicated if lesions do not completely resolve with antifungal therapy.

References:

[10] - Oral candidosis can be a mark of systemic disease. (A,B) Erythematous candidosis, angular cheilitis, and rampant cervical caries led to the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and iron deficiency anemia in a 30-year-old male who drank soda daily instead of water.(C,D) Pseudomembranous candidosis and diffuse gum hyperplasia with cyanotic change led to the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a 32 ...

[11] - An important differential diagnosis for hyperplastic candidiasis is leukoplakia, and if lesions do not completely resolve with antifungal therapy, then a biopsy is indicated.