Candida is a type of yeast that lives on and inside the human body. Small amounts typically exist on the skin, and inside the mouth, vagina, and gut. Small amounts of Candida are harmless and cause no symptoms. However, certain factors can cause this fungus to multiply out of control, resulting in a Candida infection, which is called “candidiasis.”
Candida is a polymorphic or pleomorphic organism, because it has the ability to take on a range of morphologies (different forms). There are three major forms of disease: oropharyngeal Candidiasis, vulvovaginal Candidiasis, and invasive Candidiasis.
Candida albicans is part of our natural microflora — or the microorganisms that commonly live in or on our bodies. It is the most prevalent cause of fungal infections in people. Its species name, albicans, comes from the Latin word for “white.” The yeast appears white when cultured on a plate. And in the case of certain infections, like thrush, it can create white patches.
Candida Overgrowth
Certain factors can cause the yeast to multiply out of control, resulting in a Candida infection. The bacteria living on and in the body combined with the efforts of the immune system help keep Candida populations under control. However, a person may develop candidiasis if their bacteria are suppressed or their immune system is weakened.
Some common causes of candidiasis include : pregnancy, broad-spectrum antibiotics, chemotherapy, HIV and diabetes. Other possible causes of candidiasis include: obesity, dry mouth, stress, steroids, birth control pills, warm, humid weather, tight-fitting clothing and smoking.
Candidiasis does not typically pass from person to person, though this is possible. Vaginal candidiasis may pass to a partner during sex, for example. Also, if a Candida infection enters the bloodstream, it can spread to various other parts of the body, such as the eyes, kidneys, and other organs.
Urinary Yeast Infection
Candida species are the most common cause of fungal urinary tract infections (UTIs). Candida UTIs can occur in the lower portion of the urinary tract or in some cases can ascend up to the kidneys.
Candiduria can be defined as the presence of greater than 105 fungal colony-forming unit (cfu)/ml urine, though as little as 103 cfu/ml can result in disease in certain ‘at risk’ groups. The prevalence of candiduria varies between 6.5% and 20% amongst hospitalized. Probably only 3–4% of cases of candiduria lead to candidemia (presence of Candida species in the blood), but 10% of all cases of candidemia are associated with a prior episode of candiduria. Candiduria is rarely present in healthy inpiduals. In contrast, it is a common finding in hospitalized patients, especially those in intensive care units (ICUs) who often have multiple predisposing factors, including diabetes mellitus, indwelling urinary catheters, and exposure to antimicrobials.
Many people with a Candida UTI don’t have symptoms. If symptoms are present, they can include: an increased need to urinate, a painful or burning sensation when urinating, abdominal or pelvic pain and blood in urine.
Genital Yeast Infection
Candida albicans is the most common cause of genital yeast infections. Normally, a type of bacteria called Lactobacillus keeps the amount of Candida in the genital area under control. However, when Lactobacillus levels are disrupted in some way, Candida can overgrow and cause an infection.
Although otherwise healthy inpiduals can get genital Candida infections, the following groups are at an increased risk: people that have taken antibiotics recently, people with uncontrolled diabetes, immunosuppressed inpiduals, pregnant women and people that are taking oral contraceptives or who are on hormone therapy.
Symptoms of a genital Candida infection can include: a burning feeling while having sex or while urinating, an itchy or painful feeling in or around the vagina, redness, irritation, or swelling around the vagina, abnormal vaginal discharge that can be either watery, or thick and white, a rash around the vagina and a rash on the penis.
Most of the women suffer from vulvovaginal Candidiasis at least once in their life time. Candida species can also infect the male genitals, often if their partner has a vaginal Candida infection. The infection may be asymptomatic, but can cause an itchy or burning rash around the head of the penis.
Oral Thrush
Despite being a normal part of the microflora of the mouth, Candida albicans can cause infections if it overgrows. The infection may not be limited to just the mouth. It can spread to your tonsils and the back of your throat as well. Severe infections may spread to the esophagus.
The oral-pharyngeal candidiasis is common among the HIV-infected patients and it is considered as an important marker for the onset of AIDS as well.
Some of the common symptoms of oral thrush include: white spots in your mouth that have the appearance of cottage cheese and may bleed when touched, a burning or painful sensation in your mouth, redness inside your mouth or at the corners of your mouth, difficulty with eating or swallowing, loss of taste and a cotton-like feeling inside your mouth.
If an oral thrush infection is left untreated, it can lead to a systemic Candida infection, particularly in people with a weakened immune system.
Mucocutaneous Candidiasis
Candida species can also infect your skin and mucus membranes. Candida albicans is most often the cause of a fungal skin infection, although other Candida strains can also cause it. Areas that are warm, moist, or sweaty provide good environments for yeast to thrive. Examples of such areas include the armpits, groin, the skin between your fingers and toes, the corners of your mouth, and the area under your breasts.
The most common symptom of a Candida skin infection is a red rash that forms in the affected area. In some cases, blister-like lesions can form. The skin may also become thickened or produce a white substance that has a curd-like appearance.
Neutropenia
An important risk factor for developing more invasive Candida conditions is neutropenia. This is when there are abnormally low levels of cells called neutrophils in your blood. It can make you more prone to infections. People that are commonly affected by neutropenia include people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer, and people with leukemia or other bone marrow diseases.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart, which includes the heart chambers and valves. Fungal endocarditis is a very serious condition with a high mortality rate. Candida albicans is responsible for 24 to 46% of all cases of fungal endocarditis.
Risk factors for developing this condition include: a weakened immune system, heart abnormalities or defects, prolonged antibiotic use, cardiovascular surgery and implantation of medical devices, such as a feeding tube, catheter, or prosthetic heart valves.
Symptoms of fungal endocarditis can include: fever cough, difficulty breathing and generalized body pain, sometimes in the lower extremities.
Intra-abdominal Candidiasis
Intra-abdominal candidiasis can also be referred to as Candida peritonitis. It’s an inflammation of the lining of your inner abdomen caused by a yeast infection. The condition is most commonly caused by Candida albicans although other Candida species can cause it as well.
Some risk factors for developing intra-abdominal candidiasis include: a recent abdominal surgery or procedure, undergoing peritoneal dialysis, antibiotic therapy and conditions such as diabetes.
The symptoms of intra-abdominal candidiasis can be very similar, if not indistinguishable, from bacterial peritonitis. Symptoms can include: pain or bloating in your abdomen, fever, nausea and vomiting, feeling tired or fatigued, diarrhea and diminished appetite.
Follow the latest news on Google News
