Candidiasis

Question 1

What is breast candidiasis?

Answer 1

AKA nipple thrush; candida infection in the breast.

Question 2

What is the aetiology of breast candidiasis? (x2)

Answer 2

From breastfeeding – nipples become cracked and damaged allowing candida to access the nipple and breast tissue. OR can also occur following mother/baby antibiotic therapy – antibiotics reduce numbers of commensal bacteria and allow candida fungus expansion (baby with oral thrush can transmit to nipple).

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms of breast candidiasis?

Answer 3

• Pain in both nipples/breasts after feeds (with no history of pain after breastfeeding); lasts for up to an hour after every feed
• Itchy, cracked skin on areola or nipples
• Baby has signs of oral thrush such as spotting of tongue

Question 4

What is vaginal candidiasis?

Answer 4

Candida infection of the vagina.

Question 5

What is the aetiology of vaginal candidiasis? (x5)

Answer 5

Commensal bacteria dysbiosis (such as during antibiotic therapy) allows for candida population to expand. Also, in patients with a weakened immune system (HIV, chemo), poorly controlled diabetes, pregnancy, or having sex when not fully aroused (leads to vaginal dryness and tightness which can trigger thrush)

Question 6

What is the epidemiology of vaginal thrush: Prevalence? Age?

Answer 6

Most women get it. Most common in 20-30s.

Question 7

What are the signs and symptoms of vaginal candidiasis? (x3)

Answer 7

• Severe itching, burning, soreness or irritation
• Whitish cottage cheese-like discharge which does not usually smell (unlike in men)
• Soreness during sex or during urination