Candida Albicans

Question 1

Morphology

Answer 1

Dimorphic, not thermodimophilic. At 37 degrees, you see yeast form or mold form.

Question 2

Natural Habitat

Answer 2

Endogenous (originating from within organism), Commensals (rely on host).

Found in mouth / throat, surface of skin, intestinal tract, Vagina.

Question 3

Types of Disease (5)

Answer 3

Oral Thrush - white patches, cottage-cheese like due to dietary imbalance

Cutaneous candidiasis - nail / groin

Intestinal Candidiasis - diarrhea results from imbalance of microbial flora

Candidal vaginitis - severe itch, pasty discharge. Susceptible during pregnancy due to increase in estrogen.

Systemic candidiasis (serious) - bronchopneumonia due to prolonged anesthesia and endocarditis / meningitis due to drug addicts.

BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTICS FACILITATES THESE.

Question 4

Predisposing factors

Answer 4

Broad spectrum antibiotics - upset normal microbial balance.

Cortisone- reduces normal inflammatory reaction

Anesthesia - depresses cough reflex / other pulmonary functions.

Question 5

treatment

Answer 5

Remove cause (stop taking antibiotic)

Oral and Vaginal: Nystatin or Clotrimazole - topically*******

Systemic: Amphotericin, Ketoconazole - Oral or IV *******