Candidiasis -clinical features and treatment Custom Search The term candidiasis includes many conditions caused by the fungus candida which has several species. Candida albicans is the most common species responsible. It is often found is small numbers over the skin, mucus membrane and in the intestine without causing any serious problem in those with normal immune system. Occasionally it causes superficial infection especially is small infants. Disseminated infection usually follows use of broad spectrum antibodies or drugs which suppress the immune system. It is also more common in patients with diabetes mellitus. AIDS also predisposes to severe forms of candida infection. Clinical manifestations Oral candidiasis or thrush: This is a common problem due to Candida infection. The lesions appear as milky white patches on tongue, lips, inner aspect of checks and palate. It is very common in infants during the first few weeks of life. The infants are otherwise normal. The patches are adherent and cannot be easily removed. There may be pain, drooling of saliva and difficulty in feeding. Skin infection: This is quite common in places with high humidity. The area around the anus and over the buttocks is commonly affected. Redness with itching, erosion of skin and small elevated areas of skin solid or filled with pus may be seen. It can also occur in other moist areas like axilla, neck and skin folds over thighs. Disposable diapers predispose to candidiasis over the perianal region and buttocks. It can also infect the nails but this is more common is children with weakened immune system. Vaginal infection: This is common in diabetic patients. Adolescent girls who are sexually active can also be infected. Thick white odorless discharge with severe itching is characteristic of candida vaginitis. Involvement of food pipe (esophagus): In immune suppressed children the infection can extend into the food pipe. This can cause pain, difficulty in swallowing, nausea and vomiting in some children. Lung infection: This also occurs in those with weak immune system or those who have been intubated for a long time (intubation means placing a tube inside the windpipe). The manifestations consist of fever, cough and occasionally abscess in lungs. Custom Search
Page last reviewed on 8th June 2010
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