Median Rhomboid Glossitis: Co-Infection by Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus (Case Report)

Abstract

Median rhomboid glossitis is a disorder of the tongue thought to be induced by Candida species. It is seen as an ovoid or rhomboid area of erythema on the posterior aspect of the dorsum of the tongue. Most cases are asymptomatic and the condition is innocuous. However, the striking erythematous appearance may be a cause for alarm to the patient. As such, clinicians need to be familiar with this condition. We report a case of median rhomboid glossitis due to co-infection by Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus and propose that such co-infection may be responsible for incomplete resolution of some cases of median rhomboid glossitis following treatment.