Oral pathoses caused by Candida albicans during chemotherapy: update on development mechanisms

Oral candidiasis occurs at a high frequency among immunocompromised hosts. The development mechanisms of oral pathoses associated with Candida are complex and certainly multifactorial. In immunocompromised patients, they include the evolution of the buccal flora associated with the influence of antineoplastic treatments and immunosuppression. They also include adherence of Candida to epithelial cells of the oral cavity as a function of host cell-related and yeast-related factors. Interaction and cooperation between Candida and bacteria could be a third influence in the development of oral candidiasis. It seems important to determine these mechanisms more precisely so as to improve preventive and therapeutic measures.