Host factors affecting oral candidiasis

Abstract

Candida species are responsible for a wide range of systemic as well as superficial opportunistic infections, which are of particular importance among debilitated and immunocompromised patients. Species of the genus Candida comprise part of the oral commensal microflora of healthy individuals, with Candida albicans being the most common pathogen of the genus. A diverse array of host factors has been implicated in the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis. This paper describes the local, systemic and iatrogenic factors affecting oral candidiasis.