Fluconazole for Refractory Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in AIDS Patients

Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a major lesion in HIV-infected patients. Effective antifungal therapy is required to prevent weight loss, nutritional compromise, and systemic infection. The response to oral fluconazole in patients refractory to prior topical or systemic antifungal therapy was evaluated. A case of oropharyngeal candidiasis in a patient with advanced AIDS that was refractory to topical clotrimazole and oral itraconazole, but responded to oral fluconazole therapy, is reported. Oral fluconazole should be considered the primary treatment for oropharyngeal candidiasis in the HIV-infected population with AIDS status.