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Oropharyngeal Candidosis in HIV-Infected Patients-An Update
Shankargouda Patil1, Barnali Majumdar2, Sachin C Sarode3
1Division of Oral Pathology, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jizan, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Oropharyngeal candidosis (OPC) is an opportunistic fungal infection that is commonly found in HIV-infected patients, even in the twenty-first century. Candida albicans is the main pathogen, but other Candida species have been isolated. OPC usually presents months or years before other severe opportunistic infections and may indicate the presence or progression of HIV disease. The concept of OPC as a biofilm infection has changed our understanding of its pathobiology. Various anti-fungal agents (both topical and systemic) are available to treat OPC. However, anti-fungal resistance as a result of the long-term use of anti-fungal agents and recurrent oropharyngeal infection in AIDS patients require alternative anti-fungal therapies. In addition, both identifying the causative Candida species and conducting anti-fungal vulnerability testing can improve a clinician's ability to prescribe effective anti-fungal agents. The present review focuses on the current findings and therapeutic challenges for HIV-infected patients with OPC.
Insights
Oropharyngeal candidosis (OPC) remains a common fungal infection in HIV patients. New antifungal therapies are needed due to resistance and recurrent infections in AIDS patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- HIV/AIDS Research
Background:
- Oropharyngeal candidosis (OPC) is a frequent opportunistic infection in HIV-infected individuals.
- It is often caused by Candida albicans and can precede other severe opportunistic infections.
- Understanding OPC as a biofilm infection has advanced its pathobiology insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current findings on Oropharyngeal candidosis in HIV-infected patients.
- To discuss therapeutic challenges and explore alternative antifungal strategies.
- To highlight the importance of species identification and antifungal susceptibility testing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on OPC in HIV.
- Analysis of current treatment options and emerging resistance patterns.
- Discussion of diagnostic approaches including species identification and susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans is the primary pathogen, but other species are implicated.
- Antifungal resistance is a growing concern due to long-term treatment and recurrent infections.
- Early identification and susceptibility testing can guide effective treatment selection.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of OPC in HIV patients requires addressing antifungal resistance.
- Alternative therapies and precise diagnostics are crucial for improving clinical outcomes.
- Continued research is needed to overcome therapeutic challenges in this population.
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