TITLE:
Management of Fungal Infections in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Cameroon: Literature Review and Clinical Experience
AUTHORS:
Francis Daniel Nkolo Tolo, Marie Damien Essono, Mahamat Alio Hamit, Serge Eteme Enama
KEYWORDS:
Management, Fungal Infections, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Cameroon, Literature Review
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Stomatology,
Vol.15 No.6,
June
25,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Fungal infections of the oral and maxillofacial region represent a major clinical challenge in Cameroon. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological characteristics, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to mycoses encountered in this context. Materials and Method: A systematic review of the literature was carried out, supplemented by a retrospective analysis of 87 cases of fungal infections of the orofacial region managed in three Cameroonian hospitals between 2018 and 2023. Results: The most frequently identified mycoses were candidiasis (58.6%), aspergillosis (17.2%) and mucormycosis (9.2%). A higher prevalence was observed in immunocompromised (43.7%) and diabetic (28.7%) patients. The mycological diagnosis was confirmed in 73.6% of cases. Therapeutic protocols combining surgery and systemic antifungal agents showed a cure rate of 81.6%. Conclusion: Effective management of orofacial fungal infections in Cameroon requires a multidisciplinary approach, early and accurate diagnosis, and therapy adapted to the local context, taking into account available resources and frequent comorbidities.