Esophageal candidiasis (EC) is the most frequent opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised host. Infection  by candida species is the most common cause of infectious esophagitis. Major predisposing factors include antibiotic use,radiation therapy or chemotherapy,hematologic malignancies and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS). Other conditions associated with an increased incidence of EC include esophageal stasis, alcoholism, malnutrition and advanced age. In the future because of the progress of the modern medicine , still more immunocompromised patients will live and thus candidiasis  will have more potential victims.

However, we have found EC in healthy individuals through oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD).The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for EC in healthy individuals.

   Methods of study: we retrospectively analyzed the medical record of 25  individuals who were  incidentally diagnosed with EC .we also analysed the prevalence of age age group, sex and risk factors associated with the EC in these individuals.

Results: The prevalence of EC was 4.1% (25/600). The most common coexisting EGD finding was reflux esophagitis (12/25, %). An antifungal agent was prescribed in more than  half of EC cases 18  (72 %). Follow–up EGD was undertaken in 13 cases (52 %) and 6 cases of candidiasis was persistently found. Case control study revealed EC were more often found in user of antibiotics (p=0.015), corticosteroids (p=0.002) and herb medication (p=0.006) as well as heavy drinking (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The prevalence of EC was 4.1% (25/600) in Kolar . Use of antibiotics, corticosteroids and herb as well as heavy drinking were significant risk factors for EC in healthy individuals.