Oral Candida colonization and candidiasis in patients with psoriasis

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate oral Candida colonization and candidosis in a group of patients with psoriasis and controls.Study DesignA total of 100 patients with psoriasis and matched controls underwent the concentrated oral rinse test for Candida isolation. Candida species were identified by the VITEK 2 Identification System. Categorical variables were evaluated using the χ2 test. The median Candida count was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsOral candidiasis was diagnosed in 3% of the patients with psoriasis. The Candida count and prevalence were significantly higher in the patients with psoriasis compared with controls (69% vs 44%, P < .001), but with no relationship to the severity or treatment of psoriasis. Oral Candida was significantly higher in late-onset (at age ≥30 years) compared with early-onset psoriasis (at age <30 years).ConclusionsPatients with psoriasis have increased oral Candida colonization and candidiasis. Further studies are needed to clarify the predisposing factor(s) for oral Candida in patients with psoriasis.