Candida albicans (candidiasis)

Pelvis | Gynecology | Candida albicans (candidiasis) (Disease)


Description

Candida albicans is a diploid fungus that grows both as yeast and filamentous cells and a causal agent of opportunistic oral and genital infections in humans. Is commonly referee to a yeast infection and it is also known by the name of candidosis, moniliasis, and oidiomycosis.

Types of candidiasis include: thrush (mouth infection), esophagitis, skin candidiasis, vaginal yeast infections and deep candidiasis, for example, candida sepsis.

Causes and Risk factors

Causes of candida albicans are: antibiotic use, which leads a change in your vaginal pH that allows yeast to overgrow; pregnancy; uncontrolled diabetes; impaired immune system; anything that changes the type and amount of bacteria normally present in the vagina, such as douching or irritation from inadequate vaginal lubrication.

In people who have reduced immunity, such as those with AIDS (see HIV infection and AIDS) or Diabetes mellitus, the fungus sometimes spreads into the blood and other tissues. In immunocompetent persons, candidiasis is usually a very localized infection of the skin or mucosal membranes, including the oral cavity, the pharynx or esophagus, the gastrointestinal tract, the urinary bladder.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of a yeast infection is done either via microscopic examination or culturing.

Treatment of candidiasis varies, depending on the area affected. In clinical settings, candidiasis is commonly treated with antimycotics which may be given either orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the infection.

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