Candida vulvovaginitis overview
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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
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. Candidiasis thereby encompasses infections that range from superficial, such as oral thrush and vaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases.
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.