by Raynie Andrewsen

Created on: June 07, 2008   Last Updated: June 09, 2008

Candidiasis is a fungal infection commonly caused an overgrowth of Candida albicans, although it can be caused by other strains such as: C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, and C. guillermondii. Candida albicans is found naturally in the gastrointestinal tract, the skin and mucous membranes of the body including the mouth and vagina. When there is a change in the body due to disease, infection, or certain drugs, an imbalance in the body's natural flora can occur. This results in overgrowth of fungi, what is commonly called a yeast infection. The severity of the infection depends mostly on the immune system of the individual.

Cadidiasis can be caused by a number of factors, and can occur in both healthy individuals and in those with compromised immune systems. The severity of the infection can range from mild to life threatening. Common manifestations of Candidiasis are:

1. Thrush : Fungal infection of the mouth and throat, also known as oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC)
a. Signs and Symptoms:
i. Painless, white patches in the mouth
ii. Redness and soreness in the mouth and/or throat
iii. Pain with trouble swallowing (Candida esophagitis)
b. People at risk:
i. Newborns
ii. People who have dentures
iii. People who use inhaled medications (i.e. corticosteroids)
c. Severe Cases:
i. Patients being treated for HIV/AIDS
ii. Patients being treated for Cancer
d. Diagnosis:
i. A doctor will diagnose the infection by looking in the mouth and taking a scraping to view under a microscope.
ii. A lab procedure called a culture, may also be used in the diagnosis
e. Treatment:
i. Common treatments include Chlortrimazole lozenges, Nystatin suspension, or oral Fluconazole
ii. Antifungal drugs for unresponsive strains

2. Vaginitis : Fungal infection of the vagina, but can be found in the genitals of males, called genital candidiasis.
a. Signs and Symptoms:
i. Itching and burning sensation in the genitals
ii. Discharge
iii. Males may have a rash
b. People at risk:
i. Women
ii. Men
c. Increased risk factors for women:
i. Pregnancy
ii. Diabetes
iii. Use of broad spectrum antibiotics
iv. Use of corticosteroids
d. Increased risk factors for both:
i. Sex with an infected partner
e. Diagnosis:
i. A doctor will diagnose the infection by taking a sample of vaginal secretions to view under a microscope.
f. Treatment:
i. Common treatments include prescribed or over the counter antifungal creams and suppositories, or oral Fluconazole

3. Invasive Candidiasis: The Candida strain can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the entire body, also known as Candidemia.
a. Signs and Symptoms:
i. Symptoms vary on what body system is infected
ii. Fever and chills that are unresponsive to antibiotics
iii. Organ failure
iv. Death
b. People at risk:
i. Babies born with very low birth weight
ii. Hospitalized patients
iii. Surgical patients
iv. People who have a Central Venous Catheter
v. Anyone with a weakened immune system
c. Diagnosis:
i. A doctor will diagnose the infection by taking a blood or tissue culture to view under a microscope.
d. Treatment:
i. Common treatments include Oral Fluconazole, Intravenous antifungal drugs such as caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin

While Thrush and Vaginits are common, Candidemia is relatively rare. If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above seek the help of a medical professional. There are a number of online resources for Candidiasis information. The most informative and helpful are http://www.emedicine.com and http://www.cdc.gov.

Learn more about this author, Raynie Andrewsen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.