This Publication Is Searchable The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Section 3. Gastrointestinal Disorders Chapter 20. And Rupture Infectious Esophageal Disorders Infectious Esophageal Disorders Candida albicans is a normal constituent of oral flora. When conditions favor fungal over bacterial growth, candidiasis results.
Patients usually complain of odynophagia and, less commonly, dysphagia.
Examination of the oropharynx may reveal the typical white patches, but their absence does not exclude esophageal involvement. Barium swallow may reveal slightly raised plaques throughout the esophagus or only a motor abnormality, but endoscopy is more sensitive and specific. Histology on potassium hydroxide preparation slide examination shows clusters of budding spores or hyphae. Endoscopy is usually necessary for diagnosis. Cytologic specimens help make the diagnosis.