Experimental chairside test for the rapid diagnosis of oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Oral infection with Candida fungal species is very common. Oral candidiasis is usually diagnosed by clinical appearance because no chairside diagnostic methods are available. In contrast, a rapid latex agglutination (RLA) test has proven useful for in-office diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis. This study was undertaken to determine if the RLA technique might be used to provide a quick chairside test for oral candidiasis. Twenty-five patients participated in the study, including 21 patients with clinical evidence suggestive of oral candidiasis serving as the experimental group and 4 patients with apparent good oral health serving as controls. The presence of oral candidiasis was evaluated using RLA, fungal culturing, and cytology. RLA testing was consistent with established diagnostic tests in patients with oral candidiasis. However, RLA false positive results were noted, and the test is highly technique-sensitive and subjective. The technique is worthy of further study to determine its ultimate value in the diagnosis of oral candidiasis.