An Unconventional Oral Candidiasis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Oral candidiasis (OC) is a common opportunistic fungal infection.
• It is typically caused by Candida albicans or other non-albicans Candida (NAC) species.
• Conventional antifungals like azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins are usually effective.

Observation:

• OC typically occurs in individuals with local or systemic predisposing factors.
• Candida lusitaniae is an opportunistic pathogen rarely implicated in human infections, usually seen in severely immunocompromised patients.
• This report details an unusual case of OC in an immunocompetent woman.

Findings:

• The patient presented with oral candidiasis caused by a multi-resistant strain of Candida albicans.
• The infection was also sustained by Candida lusitaniae, a rare causative agent, particularly in immunocompetent hosts.
• This case highlights an unconventional presentation of oral candidiasis.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering less common Candida species and resistance patterns in oral infections, even in immunocompetent individuals.
• It suggests potential shifts in the epidemiology or clinical presentation of oral candidiasis.
• Further research into the virulence factors and antifungal resistance mechanisms of Candida lusitaniae is warranted.