Abstract

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study of 213 patients was performed. Patients with oral candidiasis were assessed and recorded for clinical symptoms and associated factors. Oral mucosal swabs were collected and examined with KOH 20% for determining yeast-positive samples. The positive samples were subsequently cultured on chromogenic agar to identify fungal species. Results: The rate of oral Candida infection was 16.9%. The prevalence of C. albicans and C. non albicans was 55.6% and 44.4%, respectively. Clinical signs of oropharyngeal candidiasis were dysgeusia and anorexia (47.2%), burning sensation (5.6%), creamy-white plaques (30.6%), and angular cheilitis (2.8%). Factors that favor fungal infection included: Age 60 or older, saliva pH < 7, inability to self-care, brushing teeth less than twice daily, underweight, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory and urinary tract infections, use of inhaled corticosteroids, antibiotic therapy, combination of antibiotics, antibiotics therapy of more than seven days. Conclusion: Oral thrush should be considered in hospitalized patients with risk factors in clinical practice so that patients can be diagnosed and treated early.