Fungi and Fungal Infections of the Oral Cavity

This chapter describes the biology and virulence of fungi, the major oral clinical conditions caused by fungi, and the treatment of people with oral fungal infections. The interactions of fungal cells with their environment, in particular with host tissues and surfaces, or other components of the microbiota, are critical in determining whether the fungi colonize the host, proceed to commensalism or disease, or are eliminated. Fungal replication can be either sexual or asexual, and some fungi can undertake both. Features associated with the growth and metabolism of fungi that cause damage to the host are termed virulence factors. Host defenses against fungal infections involve both nonspecific and specific defense mechanisms. Erythematous candidiasis may be acute or chronic depending on its duration. Angular cheilitis presents as erythema and crusting and cracking in the commissural regions of the lips. Oral aspergillosis is a rare infection consisting of three forms. It may be saprophytic, allergic and invasive.