Candidiasis Flashcards
What is another term for vaginal candidiasis?
Thrush
What is candidiasis?
It is defined as a condition in which there is vaginal yeast infection
Which infective agent is most commonly associated with candidiasis?
Candida albicans
What are the four risk factors associated with candidiasis?
Immunosuppression
Diabetes Mellitus
Pregnancy
Drug Administration
Which two drugs are associated with candidiasis?
Antibiotics
Corticosteroids
What are the seven clinical features of vaginal candidiasis?
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal Itching
Dyspareunia
Dysuria
Vulval Erythema
Vulval Fissuring
Satellite Lesions
Describe the discharge associated with candidiasis
It is described as thick, white and non-offensive
“cottage cheese” apperance
In most cases how is vaginal candidiasis diagnosed?
Clinically
A high vaginal swab is not routinely recommended
What three investigations can be used to diagnose candidiasis?
Vaginal pH Tests
Vaginal Swab Microscopy
Vaginal Cultures
How are vaginal pH tests used to investigate candidiasis?
They are used to exclude differential diagnoses, such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas
What is the feature of candidiasis on vaginal pH tests?
Normal < 4.5
What is the feature of candidiasis on vaginal swab microscopy?
Gram-positive fungus
What medium is used in vaginal cultures to diagnose candidiasis?
Sabouraud’s
What are the two features of candida albicans on vaginal culture?
Egg-Like Blastospores
Long Hyphae
What are the three pharmacological management options of candidiasis?
Fluconazole
Clotrimazole
Imidazole
When is fluconazole used to manage candidiasis?
It is the first line pharmacological management option of candidiasis
How is fluconazole administered to treat candidiasis?
A single 150mg oral dose
When is clotrimazole used to manage candidiasis?
It is the second line pharmacological management option of candidiasis – when fluconazole is contraindicated
How is cotrimazole administered to treat candidiasis?
A single 500mg intravaginal pessary
When is imidazole used to manage candidiasis?
When there are vulval clinical features
It should be administered in addition to oral or intravaginal antifungals
What is the management option of candidiasis in pregnant women?
Clotrimazole Pessary
What advice should be given to individuals who are adminsierted local antifungals?
They can damage latex condoms and prevent spermicides from working, and therefore contraceptive is required for at least five days after use
What is recurrent candidiasis infection?
It is defined as > 4 episodes of candidiasis per year
What two investigations are used to investigate recurrent candidiasis? Explain
High vaginal swab for microscopy/culture, in order to confirm diagnosis
HbA1c blood test, in order to exclude diabetes mellitus
What is the management option of recurrent candidiasis?
Induction-maintenance pharmacological regime
Describe the induction regimen for recurrent candidiasis
A prescription of three oral fluconazole doses every three days
Describe the maintenance regimen for recurrent candidiasis
A prescription of oral fluconazole weekly for six months
