​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology -Candidiasis (Candida albicans)

​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology -Candidiasis (Candida albicans) 

Candida albicans and other Candida species, which are common in the mouth, vagina, and gastrointestinal tract, are the cause of candidiasis. Patients with diabetes, cancer patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced mucositis or neutropenia, patients with depressed cell-mediated immunity (HIVAIDS), and those on broad-spectrum antibiotics that change the normal microbial flora are risk factors for disseminated disease.

In healthy hosts, cutaneous candidiasis manifests as localized erythema or rash (diaper rash, skin folds of obese people, etc.). Oral thrush or oropharyngeal candididiasis, which manifests as creamy, curd-like spots on the tongue and oral mucosa, is known as mucocutaneous candidiasis. The symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis include burning or itching along with a thick, white discharge from the vagina. AIDS patients frequently experience recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and oral thrush. Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is associated with a particular T-cell deficiency and is an uncommon but severe skin and mucous membrane infection. Only those with impaired immune systems can contract disseminated candidiasis.

When a host's immune system is compromised by illness or iatrogenic interventions (such as chemotherapy, steroids, or antibiotics), candidiasis develops. Cell-mediated immunity, humoral immunity, and neutrophils are crucial defense mechanisms against Candida.

Clinical specimens can be examined under a microscope to see pseudo-diagnosis hyphae and budding yeast. Germ tubes form when C albicans is cultured in serum at 37°C. This is how the infection is recognized.

Thrush and vaginal candidiasis are treated with fluconazole and itraconazole. Topical antifungals, such as miconazole, are used to treat cutaneous infections. Systemic illness is treated with amphotericin B.