Oropharyngeal and Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Oral, esophageal, and vulvovaginal candidiasis are common infections in which Candida albicans, a normal commensal organism from the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract, overcomes host defenses to cause disease. Oral and esophageal candidiasis are frequently associated with immunocompromising conditions, while vulvovaginal candidiasis affects healthy women. Oral candidiasis is classically characterized by white pseudomembranes in the mouth; when the esophagus is involved, odynophagia is a typical symptom. Vulvovaginal candidiasis presents with intense pruritus and edema; chronic recurrences can be debilitating. Treatment for mucosal candidiasis is either topical antifungals or oral fluconazole for a brief course of therapy.