C. albicans and to a lesser extent other Candida species are present
in the oral cavity of up to 75% of the population.6 In healthy
individuals this colonization generally remains benign. However,
mildly immunocompromised individuals can frequently suffer
from recalcitrant infections of the oral cavity. These oral infections
with Candida species are termed “oral candidiasis” (OC).6
Such infections are predominantly caused by C. albicans and can
affect the oropharynx and/or the esophagus of persons with dysfunctions
of the adaptive immune system. Indeed, HIV is a major
risk factor for developing OC. Further risk factors for developing
OC include the wearing of dentures and extremes of age.7