Candidiasis

Question 1

What is Candidiasis?

Answer 1

infection caused by Candida.

Question 2

Describe the aetiology of candidiasis

Answer 2

Caused by 15 different Candida species

Candida albicans= MOST COMMON cause in humans

Question 3

List 5 main types of candidiasis

Answer 3

Oral 
Oesophageal
Candidal vulvovaginitis  
Candidal skin infections e.g. nappy rash
Invasive candidal infections

Question 4

List 8 risk factors for candidiasis

Answer 4

Broad-spectrum abx
Immunocompromise (e.g. HIV, corticosteroids)  
Central venous lines  
Cushing's disease  
Diabetes mellitus  
GIT surgery
Poor oral hygiene 
Pregnancy

Question 5

Describe the epidemiology of candidiasis

Answer 5

60% of healthy adult population are carriers
Candidiasis occurs in >80% of people with HIV
Candida is one of the most common causes of invasive fungal infections in the Western world

Question 6

Give 3 features of pseudomembranous oral candidiasis

Answer 6

Curd-like white patches in the mouth, easily removed revealing an underlying red base.
Most common in neonates
Angular cheilitis (cracks, ulcers or crusted fissures around month)

Question 7

List 3 features of oesophageal candidiasis

Answer 7

Dysphagia
Pain on swallowing food or fluids
It is an AIDS-defining illness

Question 8

List 4 signs of Candidal Skin Infections

Answer 8

Soreness + itching
Skin appearance can be variable
Red, moist skin area with ragged, peeling edge
Possibly papules + pustules

Question 9

What investigations are used for oral candidiasis?

Answer 9

swabs + cultures are not esp. useful because lots of healthy people have candida in their mouth
Swabs may be relevant to check for drug-resistance
Therapeutic trials of antifungal (e.g. fluconazole) can help with dx

Question 10

What is the definitive diagnostic test for oesophageal candidiasis?

Answer 10

Endoscopy

Question 11

What investigations are carried out in invasive candidiasis?

Answer 11

blood cultures required if candidaemia is possible

Question 12

Despite the many subtypes of oral candidiasis having slightly different features, list 2 common signs

Answer 12

Redness of the tongue + mouth

White plaques

Question 13

Describe the nature of Candida

Answer 13

Candida is considered normal flora in GI + genitourinary tracts.
They can invade tissues that are normally sterile + cause infection

Question 14

Give 2 signs of vaginal thrush

Answer 14

White curd discharge

Vulva + vagina may be red, fissured + sore

Question 15

Give a sign of invasive candidiasis. What can dissemination of infection cause?

Answer 15

Fever + chills

Can spread to cause fungemia, endocarditis, endophthalmitis, osteomyelitis + CNS infections