INFORMATION ON CANDIDIASIS

Candidiasis is a common opportunistic infection in people with HIV. It is an infection caused by a common type of yeast called candida is a fungal infection of any of the Candida species, of which Candida albicans is the most common. This yeast is found in most people's bodies. A healthy immune system keeps it under control. Candida usually infects the mouth, throat, or vagina. It can occur months or years before other, more serious opportunistic infections.

SYNONYMS OF CANDIDIASIS

Synonyms and related keywords:
1. Candida albicans.
2. Candida parapsilosis.
3. Candida lusitaniae.
4. Torulopsis glabrata.
5. Conjunctivitis.
6. Endophthalmitis.

CAUSES OF CANDIDIASIS

Candidiasis is an infection by Candida Albican - Albicans, a type of yeast. Although pathogenic strains of Candida share similar characteristics with food yeasts, food yeasts do not carry the same pathogenicity and ability to strongly adhere to and colonize mucous membranes. Candidiasis, and especially intestinal Pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, engaging in vaginal sex after anal sex in an unhygenic manner, and using lubricants with glycerine have been known to be causally related to yeast infections. Candida proliferation has recently been seen as a condition that can strike those who have a normal immune system. It has been subject to much debate and lack of understanding, but has motivated new thinking and research.

SYMPTOMS OF CANDIDIASIS

Symptoms of Candidiasis are:
1. Itchy skin rash.
2. Skin inflammation.
3. Small blisters.
4. Armpit skin rash.
5. Skin rash under breasts.
6. Rash in skin folds.
7. White patches inside cheeks.
8. White patches on tongue.
9. White patches in throat.
10. Blood in the urine.
11. Murmurs and valve damage.
12. Bloody sputum.
13. Pain in eyes and blurred vision.

DIAGNOSIS OF CANDIDIASIS

A medical history, physical exam, and laboratory tests, including blood tests, blood cultures, and wound cultures may be done. Tissue biopsy may be necessary to diagnose invasive systemic disease. Diagnosis is suspected from the history, with patients typically having combinations of the many possible symptoms. It may be possible to identify Candida organisms from stool samples which need to be sent to specialized laboratories.

TREATMENT OF CANDIDIASIS

Antifungal drugs which are taken orally, applied directly to the affected area, or used vaginally are the drugs of choice for vaginal yeast infections. Medicine is clotrimazole, miconazole, or oral administration of drugs such as fluconazole and amphotericin B. Many women prefer a single, oral dose of fluconazole for vaginal candidiasis, rather than topical creams. More serious infections may need IV medications given at the hospital.