Candidal Infection of the Gingiva Mimicking Desquamative Gingivitis: A Case Report

There has been an increase in the occurrence of fungal infections in humans in the recent years due to the discrete use of broad spectrum antibiotics and immunosuppressive therapies. The genus candida is the most frequently found fungi in humans. Candida albicans is a mucosal microbiota although it can cause infections which can be mucosal or life threatening infections in susceptible individuals. Candidiasis is the most common oral opportunistic fungal infection in humans. Candidiasis usually affects oral mucosa (buccal mucosa) and hard palate. Candidiasis affecting gingiva is not so common, but when it occurs, it is often misdiagnosed as desquamative gingivitis because of its clinical appearance. This paper discusses a case of Candidal infection of gingiva that mimics desquamative gingivitis.