candidiasis

What is Candidiasis?

Candidiasis, also known as yeast infection or thrush, is a type of fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida in various parts of the body [5]. This opportunistic infection can occur when the balance of healthy bacteria and yeast in the body is disrupted [7].

Types of Candidiasis

Candidiasis can manifest in different forms, including:

• Oral candidiasis: A fungal infection that affects the mouth, tongue, and lips [3].
• Vaginal yeast infections: An overgrowth of Candida in the vagina, causing symptoms such as itching, redness, and discharge [5].
• Candidal paronychia: A painful infection that occurs around the nail folds or cuticles, often affecting people with diabetes or a weakened immune system [4].

Symptoms

The symptoms of candidiasis can vary depending on the type of infection. However, common signs include:

• Redness and swelling
• Itching and burning sensations
• White or yellowish patches on the skin or mucous membranes
• Painful redness and swelling around the nail [4]

Causes

Candidiasis is often caused by an overgrowth of Candida in the body, which can occur due to various factors such as:

• Weakened immune system
• Antibiotic use
• Hormonal changes
• Poor hygiene

Prevention

To prevent candidiasis, it's essential to maintain good hygiene practices, such as:

• Keeping the genital area clean and dry
• Avoiding tight-fitting clothing that can trap moisture
• Practicing safe sex
• Managing underlying health conditions, such as diabetes [4]

Note: The information provided is based on the search results and may not be an exhaustive list of all possible causes or symptoms. If you have any specific concerns or questions, please feel free to ask!

Common Signs and Symptoms of Candidiasis

Candidiasis, also known as a yeast infection, can affect different parts of the body, including the vagina, mouth, throat, esophagus, or bloodstream. The symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the location of the infection.

• Vaginal Candidiasis:
  • White or yellow discharge from the vagina
  • Itching or burning in the vaginal area
  • Redness in the external area of the vagina
  • Burning sensation during urination or sex
  • Swelling and redness around the vulva
• Oral Thrush (Mouth Candidiasis):
  • Creamy white patches in the mouth or on the tongue
  • Painful cracks at the corners of the mouth
  • Soreness or difficulty swallowing

These symptoms can be caused by an overgrowth of candida yeast, which can occur due to various factors such as antibiotic use, hormonal changes, or a weakened immune system.

References:

• [3] Other names for a vaginal yeast infection include vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal candidiasis.
• [4] Signs and Symptoms of Candidiasis · White or yellow discharge from the vagina · Itching or burning in the vaginal area · Redness in the external area of the vagina ...
• [5] Symptoms of candidiasis may include: Creamy white patches in the mouth or throat (oral thrush); Painful cracks at the corners of the mouth (oral thrush) ...
• [7] Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include redness, swelling, itching, painful intercourse, and a thick, white discharge from the vagina ( 16Trusted Source ).
• [8] Apr 18, 2024 — Yeast Infection Symptoms · A burning feeling, especially when you pee or during sex · Swelling and redness around your vulva · Pain and soreness ...
• [9] What are the symptoms of a yeast infection? · White or yellow discharge from the vagina · Itching · Redness in the external area of the vagina · Burning.
• [13] What are the symptoms of candidiasis? Symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the location of the infection. Symptoms of candidiasis include: Red patch of skin (rash) with small, raised bumps (pustules). Itching. Burning sensation. Vaginal discharge (white or yellow).

Diagnostic Tests for Candidiasis

Candidiasis, a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, can be diagnosed through various tests. The type and complexity of the test depend on the location and severity of the infection.

• Vaginal Swab Test: A sample of vaginal discharge is collected using sterile cotton, and then examined under a microscope for the presence of yeast or bacteria. This test is commonly used to diagnose vaginal candidiasis (yeast infections).
• Blood Culture Test: A blood sample is taken from the patient and cultured in a laboratory to detect the presence of Candida fungus. This test is primarily used to diagnose invasive candidiasis.
• Urine Analysis: In cases of genitourinary candidiasis, a urinalysis may be performed to check for evidence of WBCs, RBCs, protein, and yeast cells in the urine.
• Culture Test: A culture test involves swabbing the infected area with sterile cotton and examining the yeast and bacteria under a microscope. This test is used to identify the type of yeast causing the infection.

Additional Tests

In some cases, additional tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions. These include:

• Beta-D-glucan assay: An adjunctive diagnostic tool that can help diagnose invasive candidiasis.
• Wet preparation (saline, 10% KOH): A test used to examine vaginal discharge for signs of yeast infection.

References

1. [3] - The earliest nonculture diagnostics for invasive candidiasis were serum assays for Candida antigens and anti-Candida antibodies.
2. [8] - The easiest test to diagnose invasive candidiasis is the blood culture test, though the efficiency of the procedure is low: Candida spp. are not always detected in the blood.
3. [12] - A culture test identifies the type of yeast and bacteria in your infection.

Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the search results provided in the context.

Treatment Options for Candidiasis

Candidiasis, also known as yeast infection, can be treated with various medications depending on the severity and location of the infection.

• Topical Antifungals: For mild cases of thrush, topical antifungal medications such as nystatin (Mycostatin and others) and clotrimazole are commonly used. These creams or ointments are applied directly to the affected area.
• Oral Antifungals: For more severe cases or when the infection is located in the esophagus, oral antifungal medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan) may be prescribed. This medication is taken by mouth and targets the fungal cells behind the infection.
• Ibrexafungerp (Brexafemme): A newer treatment option for vaginal candidiasis, ibrexafungerp is taken twice a day for 1 day and has been shown to be effective in targeting the specific fungal cells behind the infection.

Systemic Treatments

For more severe cases of candidiasis or when the infection has spread to other parts of the body, systemic treatments may be necessary. These include:

• Oteseconazole (Vivjoa): An oral medication that is taken by mouth and is specifically approved for treating recurrent vaginal candidiasis.
• Rezafungin: A treatment option for patients with candidemia, which is a severe form of the infection.

Other Treatment Options

In addition to these medications, other treatment options may be considered depending on the individual case. These include:

• Probiotics: Some studies have suggested that probiotics may help prevent or treat candidiasis by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
• Dietary Changes: Making dietary changes such as avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and increasing intake of fermented foods may also be beneficial in preventing or treating the infection.

References

1. [3] Thrush — Doctors treat thrush with topical, antifungal medications such as nystatin (Mycostatin and others) and clotrimazole.
2. [7] Treatment of vaginal candidiasis usually involves topical or oral antifungals, such as butoconazole, clotrimazole or fluconazole.
3. [5] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved rezafungin for injection, (REZZAYOTM), a treatment for patients with candidemia and invasive candidiasis.
4. [1] Oteseconazole, a tetrazole, oral, antifungal has recently been approved for recurrent VVC, becoming the first drug approved for this indication.
5. [8] Oral fluconazole (100-200 mg daily for 7-14 days) is recommended for treating moderate to severe oral candidiasis (11).

Differential Diagnosis of Candidiasis

Candidiasis, also known as yeast infection or thrush, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in presentation with other skin and mucous membrane conditions. Here are some key points to consider for differential diagnosis:

• Pustular psoriasis: This condition presents with pus-filled bumps on the skin, which can be similar to candidiasis. However, pustular psoriasis is typically accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, and joint pain [1].
• Subcorneal pustolosis: This is a rare skin condition characterized by small, pus-filled blisters on the skin. It can be confused with candidiasis due to its similar appearance, but it tends to occur in areas other than the mouth or vagina [2].
• Acute generalized subcorneal pustulosis (AGEP): This is a rare condition that presents with sudden onset of pus-filled blisters on the skin. It can be confused with candidiasis due to its similar appearance, but it tends to occur in areas other than the mouth or vagina [3].
• Bacterial vaginosis: This condition presents with an abnormal vaginal discharge and is often accompanied by a fishy odor. While it can be confused with candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis typically does not present with oral lesions [4].
• Trichomonas vaginitis: This is a sexually transmitted infection that presents with a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge. It can be confused with candidiasis due to its similar appearance, but it tends to occur in areas other than the mouth or vagina [5].

Key Takeaways

• Candidiasis can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in presentation with other skin and mucous membrane conditions.
• A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential for differential diagnosis of candidiasis.
• Laboratory tests such as KOH preparation, Gram stain, and culture may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

References

[1] Context 4: Jul 29, 2020 — Differential diagnosis · A lesion with ABCD · Asymmetry; Border irregularity; Color variation · ABCD characteristics; Bleeding or ulceration may ...

[2] Context 3: Differential diagnosis of candidiasis pathology ... Pustular psoriasis, subcorneal pustolosis, acute generalized subcorneal pustulosis – Spongiform postulation ...

[3] Context 3: Differential diagnosis of candidiasis pathology ... Pustular psoriasis, subcorneal pustolosis, acute generalized subcorneal pustulosis – Spongiform postulation ...

[4] Context 7: Jul 29, 2020 — Candida Vulvovaginitis must be differentiated from diseases with similar presentation such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginitis and ...

[5] Context 7: Jul 29, 2020 — Candida Vulvovaginitis must be differentiated from diseases with similar presentation such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginitis and ...