Candida albicans
- epidemiology
- classification and characteristics
- virulence factors
- transmission and infection
- clinical manifestations
- diagnosis
- treatment
Epidemiology
Candida can normally be found in mucous membranes, gut, and skin.
Classification and Characteristics
Virulence Factors
Transmission and Infection
Clinical Manifesations
Commensal candida infections rapidly colonize damaged skin.
Mucocutaneous infections, such as thrush, is normal for infants up to 6 months of age and is more common in breast-fed infants. After that, it is more viewed as an opportunistic infection.
Other risk factors for thrush include:
- immunodieficiency
- diabetes
- steroids
- antibiotics
Stomatitis (denture sore mouth), chelitis (sores on the sides of mouth due to drooling) or GI thrush may develop
Vaginal thrush
Superficial Candida infections include
- intertrigo (damp areas, ie skin folds)
- diaper rash
- nail infections (from frequent immersion in water)
Systemic Candida infections include
- urinary tract infections (esp with catheter use)
- endocarditis (esp with prosthetic heart valuves or IV drug use)
- sepitcemia (esp in immunocompromised patients)
Diagnosis
- clincial suspicion
- gram stain (positive)
- culture (though takes a long time
- Ph<4.7
- hyphae on wet prep with saline of KOH
Treatment
Vaginal infections
Treatment should not be offered if asymptomatic
Antifungals, either vaginal or oral. Oral dosages may take 24-48 hours for significant symptom relief.
Gentian violet is the gold standard (patient applied: 0.25-0.5%; office applied 1%)