Candidosis
Pronunciation: kan-dih-DOH-sis
Infection of oral mucosal tissues by Candida species, most commonly Candida albicans, presenting in several clinical forms including pseudomembranous, erythematous, and hyperplastic variants.
Full Definition
Oral candidosis (also spelled candidiasis) encompasses a spectrum of mucosal infections caused primarily by Candida albicans, an opportunistic commensal organism that becomes pathogenic under predisposing conditions such as immunosuppression, antibiotic use, xerostomia, or ill-fitting dentures. The pseudomembranous form ('thrush') presents with white curd-like plaques that can be wiped off to reveal an erythematous base; the erythematous form appears as flat red patches; and the hyperplastic form (chronic hyperplastic candidosis) produces firmly adherent white lesions that cannot be removed by wiping. Editors should note that British oral medicine publications favour 'candidosis' over 'candidiasis', while American publications may use either; consistency within a document should be maintained. The condition should not be confused with the potentially malignant lesion leukoplakia, as hyperplastic candidosis may mimic it clinically.
Usage
Usage note: British oral medicine style prefers 'candidosis'; American style may use 'candidiasis'. Do not use 'thrush' outside the pseudomembranous subtype context. Flag inconsistencies between spellings within a single document.
In Context
- "Erythematous candidosis of the palate was observed in a patient on long-term inhaled corticosteroids." — Oral medicine case report
- "The distinction between hyperplastic candidosis and leukoplakia requires histopathological examination and PAS staining." — Postgraduate oral medicine lecture notes