candidiasis is fungal infection. There are many kinds of fungi that live in human body as commensals. one of such fungi is Candida which is found in Skin, mouth, armpit, belly, genitalia (vagina/ penis) etc. without Causing any harm.
Causative agent: It is Caused by fungi Candida. The most common species is Candida albicans. It is present in different parts of human body as Commensals. when immune Power of body decreases or Candida gets Suitable Condition, Candida grow rapidly and become Pathogenic. Thus, it is opportunistic pathogen.It's risk is more in people with weak immunity, obesity, during pregnancy, stress, lack of sleep, regular use of antibiotics, diabetes, HIV/AIDS etc.
Types of Candidiasis:
on the basis of body parts infected Candidiasis may be of following types:
* oral or Thrush or oropharyngeal Candidiasis: Candidiasis of mouth and throat.
* Genital Candidiasis: Candidiasis of genital organs like Vulva & Vagina (vulvo-vaginal) in female and penis in male.
* systemic or Invasive : when yeast enters into blood and passes into different internal organs like Spleen, kidney, Bones, muscles, Joints, eyes etc.
* cutaneous: Candidiasis of skin/nail.
Mucosal candidiasis: of mucosa.
Mode of transmission:
It is transmitted by personal Contact with infected Person .
oral Candidiasis : by kissing infected partner.
Genital Candidiasis : by sexual contact with infected person.
It may get transmitted by sharing of bathing tobs /swimming pool and also by using tight clothings.
Incubation period:
It is of about 2 to 5 days.
symptoms:
oral Candidiasis: Yellow- white spots and swelling on tongue, lips, gums, upper surface of buccal cavity and inner side of cheeks. cracks at the Corner of lips. It may Cause difficulty in swallowing if spreads to throat.
vulvo-vaginal Candidiasis: Redness, swelling and ichiness in vagina and vulva. Pain and burning sensation during sexual Contact. A thick , white Cottage cheese like discharge from Vagina.
In male , swelling and redness at the tip of penis. There is deposition of white creamy substance in foreskin.
In invasive Candidiasis , the candida enters blood and passes into spleen, kidney, heart, brain, eyes etc. thus, it Can Cause serious problems and may be fatal.
Diagnosis:
By examining the infected parts and skin sampling for which Skin scraping from affected areas are taken and examined.
By doing gram staining, Candida shows gram (+) results.
In case of invasive or deep Candidiasis , blood Culture is done.
preventive methods:
⇒ Hygenic habits should be adopted.
⇒ wear loose , cotton and breathable underwear.
⇒ keep your armpit, groin area, genital organs etc. clean and dry.
⇒ Avoid sexual Contact with infected person.
⇒ Avoid Kissing with infected person.
⇒ Do not wear weat cloths.
Treatment:
The antifungal drugs are taken.It varies depending on infected area.
In oral Candidiasis , the antifungal drugs like Fluconazole, clotrimazole and Nystatin are used.
In vaginal Candidiasis, antifungal creams and tablets are directly applied to vagina like Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Nystatin etc.
In Case of invasive Candidiasis, intravenous antifungal drugs like Fluconazole / voriconazole etc. are used.