Oral candidiasis: differentiation of Candida spp strains and antifungal treatments

Abstract

Introduction: Candida spp is one of the most common yeast species within the oral cavity as a habitual commensal, which in turn is frequently found as an etiological agent of superficial infections.

Objective: to characterize aspects related to candidiasis, the acquisition of resistance and its treatment.

Method: a review of the available bibliography in databases such as SciELO, Scopus and ClinicalKey was carried out, of which a total of 19 related articles were consulted, empirical methods such as logical history and analysis and synthesis were used.

Results: resistance is not only given by the Candida species but also by factors inherent to the host such as the existence of prevalent diseases, massive systemic infections, septicemias, such as immunocompromised patients. The Candida spp species is part of the usual microbiota of living beings, they are opportunistic pathogens that have the capacity to cause superficial, skin or mucosal, or systemic infections. Antifungals used in treatment may be fungistatic or fungicidal. C. albicans predominates in the oral cavity to a greater extent. The species mentioned may be found in the oral cavity and pass into the bloodstream due to host immunodeficiency, as well as other predisposing factors.

Conclusions: currently, none of the available antifungals have the characteristics of an ideal antifungal: broad spectrum of action, fungicide, zero resistance rate, multiple administration routes, high capacity for tissue penetration, but without toxicity; and also develop a prophylactic and therapeutic action, without producing adverse effects and maintaining a high effectiveness.