Oral candidiasis epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [2]

Overview

Oral candidiasis is not common among the general population but is frequently diagnosed in the immunocompromised patients.

The infection is not very common in the general population.
It is estimated that between 5% and 7% of infants less than one month old will develop oral candidiasis.
The prevalence of oral candidiasis among AIDS patients is estimated to be between 9% and 31%, and studies have documented clinical evidence of oral candidiasis in nearly 20% of cancer patients.^[1]
Thrush is the fourth most common cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections.
The incidence is 8 cases per 100,000 in the general population.
There is a higher incidence among neonates and African-Americans.^[2]
Oleander (OPC) used to be a common opportunistic infection in HIV-infected persons (prior to the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy HAART).
Nosocomial disease surveillance is conducted by NNIS in selected hospitals. Active population-based surveillance for candidemia is being conducted in selected U.S. sites.^[3]

↑ Daniluk T, Tokajuk G, Stokowska W, Fiedoruk K, Sciepuk M, Zaremba ML, Rozkiewicz D, Cylwik-Rokicka D, Kedra BA, Anielska I, Górska M, Kedra BR (2006). “Occurrence rate of oral Candida albicans in denture wearer patients”. Adv Med Sci. 51 Suppl 1: 77–80. PMID 17458064.
↑ Campisi G, Pizzo G, Milici ME, Mancuso S, Margiotta V (2002). “Candidal carriage in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus-infected subjects”. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 93 (3): 281–6. PMID 11925537.
↑ Reichart PA (2003). “Oral manifestations in HIV infection: fungal and bacterial infections, Kaposi’s sarcoma”. Med. Microbiol. Immunol. 192 (3): 165–9. doi:10.1007/s00430-002-0175-5. PMID 12684760.