Colonization of the oral and pharyngeal regions by Candida spp., particularly C. albicans, is extremely common in humans, particularly in late life. This study was
performed in order to determine the clinical characteristics, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of oropharyngeal candidiasis in older adults. The isolation of Candida albicans was significantly higher in elderly patients than in younger patients. In elderly, several factors predispose the transformation of the benign colonization
to a pathological state, such as local conditions (poor oral hygiene, removable dentures, indentation), general associated diseases (diabetes mellitus) or different
treatments (corticosteroids, antibiotics,psychotherapeutics). Almost all geriatrics patients were symptomatic. Therefore the finding of oropharyngeal candidiasis in an older patient indicates the state of oral hygiene and requires investigation of predispose factors in order to treat properly.
- CANDIDA ALBICANS
- elderly
- ORAL CANDIDIASIS