OLANZAPINE-ASSOCIATED ORAL CANDIDIASIS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT: A CASE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION

Oral candidiasis, most commonly caused by Candida albicans, is a fungal infection of the oral cavity that frequently arises in the context of secondary immunosuppression. Clinically, it presents as white, curd-like patches or erythematous lesions on the tongue, palate, buccal mucosa, and tonsils. Oral thrush remains the most prevalent opportunistic infection among individuals living with HIV, serving as a clinical marker of immune dysfunction [1].Beyond HIV, the incidence of oral candidiasis is also increased in conditions or treatments that impair immune function, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hematologic malignancies like leukemia, and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus [2,3]. These risk factors underscore the central role of immune status in susceptibility to fungal infections.Contextually, we report the case of an immunocompetent adult who developed oral candidiasis following treatment with olanzapine for psychosis. The patient had no prior history of immunosuppressive disorders, was not undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, and had no family history suggestive of immune dysfunction. Furthermore, the patient did not recall any previous episodes of oral candidiasis. This case raises the possibility of an underrecognized adverse effect of olanzapine, suggesting a potential immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive mechanism associated with the drug.Antipsychotics such as olanzapine are not traditionally associated with immune compromise, emerging reports suggest their potential to influence immune parameters, including cytokine regulation and leukocyte function [4,5]. The case discussed in this case study highlights the need for further research into the immunological impact of antipsychotic medications, particularly in otherwise healthy individuals