Candidiasis

Question 1

Define candidiasis?

Answer 1

Infection caused by Candida.

Note: Candida is considered normal flora in the GI and genitourinary tracts they can invade tissue and cause infection; Invasion implies when the fungus is in normally sterile tissues

Question 2

outline the aetiology of candidiasis?

Answer 2

Caused by 15 different Candida species

Candida albicans is the MOST COMMONcause of candidiasis in humans

Question 4

what are the main types of candidiasis?

Answer 4

Oral candidiasis – common in children, elderly and immunocompromised

Oesophageal candidiasis- associated with immunocompromised

Candidal vulvovaginitis – associated with DM and use of AB

Candidal skin infections e.g. diaper rash

Invasive candidal infections

Question 5

what are the risk factors for candidiasis?

Answer 5

Broad-spectrum antibiotics

Immunocompromise(e.g. HIV, corticosteroids)

Central venous lines

Cushing’s disease

Diabetes mellitus

GI tract surgery

Poor oral hygiene – oral candidiasis

Pregnancy and Pill – specific for vaginal thrush

Question 6

what are the symptoms and signs of oral candidiasis?

Answer 6

Oral Thrush (pseudomembranous oral candidiasis) - curd-like white patches in the mouth,which can be removed easily revealing an underlying red base. Most common in neonates

• redness of the tongue and mouth, white plaques

May get cracks, ulcers or crusted fissures around month – Angular cheilitis

Question 7

what are the signs and symptoms of oesophageal candidiasis?

Answer 7

Dysphagia

Painon swallowing food or fluids

It is an AIDS-defining illness

Question 8

what are the signs and symptoms of candidal skin infections?

Answer 8

Soreness and itching

Skin appearance can be variable

Red, moist skin area with ragged, peeling edge and possibly papules and pustules

Question 9

what are the signs and symptoms of vaginal thrush?

Answer 9

White curd discharge

Vulva and vagina may be red, fissured and sore

Question 10

what are the signs and symptoms of invasive candidiasis

Answer 10

Fever and chills

Can spread to cause fungemia,endocarditis, endophthalmitis, osteomyelitisand CNSinfections

Question 11

what are the appropriate investigations for candidiasis?

Answer 11

Swabs are not routinely recommended.

Other IX to exclude differentials or Risk Factors:

• Urinalysis (UTI)
• Random or fasting blood glucose (Diabetes)
• Glucose tolerance test (Diabetes)
• HIV antibody test
• Vaginal pH test (to exclude STIs)