Candida vulvovaginitis overview: Difference between revisions
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==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
''Candida'' yeasts are usually present in most people, but uncontrolled multiplication resulting in disease symptoms is kept in check by other naturally occurring [[microorganism]]s, e.g., bacteria co-existing with the yeasts in the same locations, and by the human [[immune system]]. | |||
In a study of 1009 women in New Zealand, the fungus, ''Candida albicans'', was isolated from the vaginas of 19% of apparently healthy women. Carriers experienced few or no symptoms. However, external use of irritants (such as some detergents or [[douche]]s) or internal disturbances (hormonal or physiological) can perturb the normal [[vaginal flora|flora]], constituting [[lactic acid bacteria]], such as [[lactobacilli]], and an overgrowth of yeast can result in noticeable symptoms. Pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, engaging in vaginal sex immediately and without cleansing after anal sex, and using lubricants containing glycerin have been found to be causally related to yeast infections. [[Diabetes mellitus]] and the use of [[antibiotics]] are also linked to an increased incidence of yeast infections. Candidiasis can be sexually transmitted from men to women, but not from a woman to a man. Diet has been found to be the cause in some animals. [[Hormone Replacement Therapy]] and infertility treatments may also be predisposing factors. | |||
==Risk Factors== | ==Risk Factors== | ||
Revision as of 19:38, 5 August 2015
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Candidiasis Main page |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Candidiasis, commonly called yeast infection or thrush, is a fungal infection (mycosis) of any of the Candida species, of which Candida albicans is the most common.[1][2] Candidiasis thereby encompasses infections that range from superficial, such as oral thrush and vaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases. Candida infections of the latter category are also referred to as candidemia and are usually confined to severely immunocompromised persons, such as cancer, transplant, and AIDS patients, whereas superficial infections of skin and mucosal membranes by Candida causing local inflammation and discomfort is common in many human populations.[2][3][4] While clearly attributable to the presence of the opportunistic pathogens of the genus Candida, candidiasis describes a number of different disease syndromes that often differ in their causes and outcomes.[2][3]
Causes
Candida yeasts are usually present in most people, but uncontrolled multiplication resulting in disease symptoms is kept in check by other naturally occurring microorganisms, e.g., bacteria co-existing with the yeasts in the same locations, and by the human immune system.
In a study of 1009 women in New Zealand, the fungus, Candida albicans, was isolated from the vaginas of 19% of apparently healthy women. Carriers experienced few or no symptoms. However, external use of irritants (such as some detergents or douches) or internal disturbances (hormonal or physiological) can perturb the normal flora, constituting lactic acid bacteria, such as lactobacilli, and an overgrowth of yeast can result in noticeable symptoms. Pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, engaging in vaginal sex immediately and without cleansing after anal sex, and using lubricants containing glycerin have been found to be causally related to yeast infections. Diabetes mellitus and the use of antibiotics are also linked to an increased incidence of yeast infections. Candidiasis can be sexually transmitted from men to women, but not from a woman to a man. Diet has been found to be the cause in some animals. Hormone Replacement Therapy and infertility treatments may also be predisposing factors.
Risk Factors
Antibiotics used to treat other types of infections change the normal balance between organisms in the vagina by decreasing the number of protective bacteria. Being pregnant, having diabetes, or being obese all create conditions that help yeast grow more easily.
Diagnosis
Laboratory Findings
A small amount of the vaginal discharge is examined using a microscope (called a wet mount and KOH test). Sometimes, a culture is taken when the infection does not improve with treatment or recurs many times.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
It is important to consider that Candida species are frequently part of the human body's normal oral and intestinal flora. Candidiasis is occasionally misdiagnosed by medical personnel as bacterial in nature, and treated with antibiotics against bacteria. This can lead to eliminating the yeast's natural competitors for resources, and increase the severity of the condition. Commonly used drugs include amphotericin, clotrimazole, nystatin, fluconazole and ketoconazole.
References
- ↑ Walsh TJ, Dixon DM (1996). "Deep Mycoses". In Baron S et al eds. Baron's Medical Microbiology (via NCBI Bookshelf) (4th ed. ed.). Univ of Texas Medical Branch. ISBN 0-9631172-1-1.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 MedlinePlus Encyclopedia Vaginal yeast infection
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Fidel PL (2002). "Immunity to Candida". Oral Dis. 8: 69–75. PMID 12164664.
- ↑ Pappas PG (2006). "Invasive candidiasis". Infect. Dis. Clin. North Am. 20 (3): 485–506. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2006.07.004. PMID 16984866.