Oral candidiasis (thrush)

November 2005     View PDF     En español

Conclusion

Candidiasis is among the most common conditions in people with HIV. While candidiasis is a relatively common condition in the general population, it is often the first illness and signal that HIV disease is progressing to a more severe stage, particularly infections that are recurrent or less responsive to treatment. Candidiasis outbreaks can be frequent, can cause great discomfort and can add to the decline in health seen in AIDS.

Preventing and treating oral candidiasis, like other fozrms of the infection, is important not only because it decreases discomfort caused by the condition, but it also prevents further damage to the immune system.

For information on vaginal or disseminated candidiasis, read Vaginal Candidiasis or Systemic Candidiasis.