Candidiasis Flashcards
Define candidiasis
Infection caused by Candida
Aetiology of candidiasis
2
Caused by 15 different Candida species
Candida albicans is the MOST COMMON cause of candidiasis in humans
Main types of candidiasis
5
oral candidiasis oesophageal candidiasis candidal vulvovaginitis candidal skin infections invasive candidal infections
Risk factors for candidiasis
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Broad spectrum antibiotics Immunocompromised (e.g. HIV, corticosteroids) Central venous lines Cushing’s disease Diabetes mellitus GI tract surgery
Epidemiology of candidiasis
prevalence, HIV, fungal
60% healthy adult population are carriers
Candidiasis occurs in over 80% people w/ HIV
Candida is one of the most common causes of invasive fungal infections in Western world
Presenting symptoms & signs of oral candidiasis
2
Oral thrush - curd like white patches in mouth, can be removed easily revealing underlying red base (most common in neonate)
Lots of subtypes, but main features - redness of tongue & mouth w/ white plaques
Presenting symptoms & signs of oesophageal candidiasis
3
Dysphagia
Pain on swallowing food or fluids
AIDs defining illness
Presenting symptoms & signs of candidal skin infections
3
Soreness & itching
Skin appearance can be variable
Red, moist skin area w/ ragged peeling edge & possible papules & pustules
Investigations for candidiasis
5
Oral candidiasis - swabs & cultures not very useful as a lot of normal people have candid in mouth
Swabs may be relevant to check drug resistance
Therapeutic trials of antifungal (e.g. fluconazole) can help diagnosis
Oesophageal candidiasis - definitive diagnosis by endoscopy
Invasive candidiasis - blood cultures required if candidaemia possible