5. Candidiasis

Question 1

what is candidiasis

Answer 1

Candidiasis is caused by the yeast Candida albicans and other Candida species, which are normal body flora found in the skin, mouth, vagina, and intestines.

Question 2

when do candida infections occur?

Answer 2

Infections occur when competing bacterial flora e.g.lactobacilli are eliminated, for example, by antibacterial antibiotics, allowing the yeast to overgrow

or when weakened immune system

Question 3

in which two areas are candida infections(thrush)more common?

Answer 3

mouth

vagina

Question 4

how does oral thrush present?

Answer 4

raised, white plaques on the oral mucosa, tongue, or gums. The plaques can become confluent and ulcerated and spread to the throat.

Question 5

why might a patient with oral thrush have pain when swallowing?

Answer 5

may have spread to throat

Question 6

in which patients is it more likely for oral thrush to affect oesophagus?

Answer 6

HIV patients

Question 7

how might vaginal thrush present?

Answer 7

itching and burning pain of the vulva and vagina, accompanied by a white discharge. pain whilst urinating

Question 8

risk factors for candidiasis?

Answer 8

1. Immunosuppression
   • HIV
   • Diabetes mellitus
   • Neutropenia
2. Imbalance in local flora
   • Medications: e.g., antibiotics, steroids
   • ↑ Estrogen levels during pregnancy

3. Compromised skin
• Excessive moisture (e.g., diaper rash)
• Local lesions (e.g., elderly patients with dentures, patients with burns)
4. Smoking cigarettes 
5. Congenital disorders

Question 9

what re the 2 types of candiasis?

Answer 9

erythematous candidiasis - change in levels of microbial competition keeping candida in check
- increased blood flow to affected tissues - red painful lesions

pseudomembranous candidiasis - weakened immune system
- destroyed cells + keratin proteins accumulates

Question 10

what are more serious candida infections?

Answer 10

serious invasive infections - underlying immunodeficiency

infection of prosthetic device - candida forms biofilm

Question 11

treatment of candidiasis

Answer 11

Both oral and vaginal infections are treated topically with nystatin or clotrimazole

IV fluconazole (Severe) 
systemic: Amphotericin B