Fungal Infections of the Oral Mucosa

Overview

4.7 out of 5 (6 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post-Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

19 Mar 2026

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Oral fungal infections arise when normally commensal fungi within the oral microbiota become pathogenic under conditions such as immunosuppression, systemic disease, or prolonged antimicrobial therapy. The oral cavity hosts diverse fungal species, including Candida, Aspergillus, and Rhizopus, which may cause opportunistic infections when host defenses are compromised. Oral candidiasis is the most common oral fungal infection and historically gained prominence during the HIV/AIDS epidemic as an indicator of immune decline. This course details the etiologies of fungal infections, which in recent years have increased in incidence due to factors such as diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency, prolonged hospitalization, corticosteroid use, and emerging conditions such as COVID-19–associated immunosuppression, as well as other clinically significant infections affecting the oral cavity include aspergillosis, mucormycosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, cryptococcosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, and geotrichosis. Clinical manifestations are also discussed, including white plaques, erythema, ulceration, burning sensation, and pain.

This activity reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of oral fungal infections. Participants will also gain an understanding of characteristic oral lesions, identify underlying risk factors, and apply appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including antifungal pharmacotherapy and surgical interventions when indicated. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner's competence in identifying oral fungal infections, performing the recommended evaluation, and implementing an appropriate interprofessional approach when managing this condition, particularly in immunocompromised populations.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and dentists.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify common causative organisms of oral fungal infections.

  • Evaluate the clinical features of fungal infections of the oral mucosa.

  • Implement the recommended management for the various fungal species that cause oral infections.

  • Apply effective strategies to improve care coordination among interprofessional team members and positive outcomes for patients with oral mucosa fungal infections.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

StatPearls, LLC is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the Commission of Continuing Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.

Dentists: StatPearls, LLC designates this continuing education activity for 1.50 ADA credit(s). Dentists should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

larry m. on 4/18/2023

Young J. on 11/22/2023

Sikander A. on 2/25/2024

Eleni S. on 12/4/2024

veronica p. on 2/17/2026

Elizabeth C. on 5/22/2026

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