Candidiasis

Question 1

Define candidiasis

Answer 1

Infection caused by Candida

Question 2

Aetiology of candidiasis

2

Answer 2

Caused by 15 different Candida species

Candida albicans is the MOST COMMON cause of candidiasis in humans

Question 3

Main types of candidiasis

5

Answer 3

oral candidiasis
oesophageal candidiasis
candidal vulvovaginitis
candidal skin infections
invasive candidal infections

Question 4

Risk factors for candidiasis

6

Answer 4

Broad spectrum antibiotics 
Immunocompromised (e.g. HIV, corticosteroids)
Central venous lines
Cushing’s disease
Diabetes mellitus
GI tract surgery

Question 5

Epidemiology of candidiasis

prevalence, HIV, fungal

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Presenting symptoms & signs of oral candidiasis

2

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Presenting symptoms & signs of oesophageal candidiasis

3

Answer 7

Dysphagia
Pain on swallowing food or fluids
AIDs defining illness

Question 8

Presenting symptoms & signs of candidal skin infections

3

Answer 8

Soreness & itching
Skin appearance can be variable
Red, moist skin area w/ ragged peeling edge & possible papules & pustules

Question 9

Investigations for candidiasis

5

Answer 9

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