Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC, thrush)

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Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

(OPC, thrush)

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/candidiasis_opc_g.htm

General Information sheets on other types of Candidiasis

What is OPC?

Candidiasis of the mouth and throat, also known as a " thrush " or

oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), is a fungal infection that occurs

when there is overgrowth of fungus called Candida. Candida is

normally found on skin or mucous membranes. However, if the

environment inside the mouth or throat becomes imbalanced, Candida

can multiply. When this happens, symptoms of thrush appear.

How common is OPC and who can get it?

OPC can affect normal newborns, but it occurs more frequently and

more severely in people with weakened immune systems, particularly

in persons with AIDS.

What are the symptoms of OPC?

People with OPC infection usually have painless, white patches in

the mouth. Symptoms of OPC in the esophagus may include pain and

difficulty swallowing.

How do I get OPC?

Most cases of OPC are caused by the person's own Candida organisms

which normally live in the mouth or digestive tract. A person has

symptoms when overgrowth of Candida organisms occurs.

How is OPC diagnosed?

OPC is diagnosed in two ways. A doctor may take a swab or sample of

infected tissue and look at it under a microscope. If there is

evidence of Candida infection, the sample will be cultured to

confirm the diagnosis.

How is OPC treated?

Prescription treatments such as, Oral fluconazole, clotrimazole

troches, or nystatin suspension usually provide effective treatment

for OPC.

What will happen if a person does not seek treatment for a OPC?

Symptoms, which may be uncomfortable, may persist. In rare cases,

invasive candidiasis may occur.

Can Candida-causing OPC become resistant to treatment?

Overuse of antifungal medications can increase the chance that they

will eventually not work (the fungus develops resistance to

medications). Therefore, it is important to be sure of the diagnosis

from before treating with over-the-counter or other antifungal

medications.

Date: October 6, 2005

Content source: Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases /

Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases