It often heralds a decrease in the ability of the immune system to fight off an organism that normally does not cause severe disease.
Candidal esophagitis occurs when the organism spreads from the mouth down the esophagus.
Swallowing becomes difficult and painful. Oral thrush or yeast infection predisposes an immunocompromised person to esophagitis. The incidence is 1 in 10,000 persons. Prevention of AIDS prevents opportunistic infections such as candida. Good oral hygiene may reduce the risk of infection.