Candidiasis
Candida albicans is a single-celled fungus naturally occurring in the mouth digestive tract and vagina. It is, in itself, harmless in this form and produces no symptoms unless overgrowth occurs. Its presence in the body is normally limited by the presence of “healthy bacteria” such as lactobacillus acidophilus that keep it in check.
What is candidiasis?
Candidiasis is the name given to an overgrowth of candida (single cell fungus) that has mutated into long branches of yeast cells (mycella).
What causes candidiasis?
The most common causes of candidiasis are compromises in the immune system (such as diabetes, HIV, prolonged antibiotic use, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and long-term steroid use). The most frequently diagnosed type of candidiasis in this situation is esophageal candidiasis (sometimes known as candida esophagitis). This will usually be diagnosed by an oral swab from which a culture will be grown. However, because candida is naturally present in the mouth, the visual checking of symptoms will also be necessary.
Other causes and effects of candida overgrowth
In addition, hormonal changes (due to pregnancy, menstruation or menopause) can change the normal acidic environment in the vagina making it more susceptible to yeast overgrowth. In all of these circumstances, women may be particularly susceptible to vaginal candidiasis which can cause pain on intercourse as well as the more common symptoms of vaginal thrush. Women with vulvo vaginal candidiasis usually experience burning or itching of the genitals with or without a “cottage cheese-like” vaginal discharge. If men develop genital candidiasis it will usually be experienced as an itchy rash on the penis. There a a variety of treatments available from over the counter creams and suppositries such as cloritramazole to other pessaries and supporitries prescribed by your doctor such as nystatin and micronozole to name but two.
Invasive candidiasis
In extreme and rare cases the candida fungus can enter the blood stream (after surgery, compromised immune system, central venus catetarisation). This situation is known as invasive candidiasis ( candidemia) and, if untreated, may affect internal organs. Its symptoms vary from person to person but may include chills and fevers that do not respond to antibiotic treatment. As always, it is essential to get a medical diagnosis from your doctor or hospital (who will test a blood sample) and prescription treatment would normally be fluconazole given orally or by intravenous drip. Alternatively there are a group of intravenous grugs called echinocandins: caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin.
