Candidiasis
ref and ack---http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/Candidiasis/invasive/
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Candida. There are over 20 species of Candida yeasts that can cause infection in humans, the most common of which is Candida albicans. Candida yeasts normally live on the skin and mucous membranes without causing infection; however, overgrowth of these organisms can cause symptoms to develop. Symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the area of the body that is infected.
Candidiasis that develops in the mouth or throat is called “thrush” or oropharyngeal candidiasis. Candidiasis in the vagina is commonly referred to as a “yeast infection.” Invasive candidiasis occurs when Candida species enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Click the links below for more information on the different types of Candida infections.
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Types of Candidiasis
Thrush (“Oropharyngeal / Esophageal Candidiasis”)
Vaginal Yeast Infections (“Genital / Vulvovaginal Candidiasis”)
Oropharyngeal / Esophageal Candidiasis ("Thrush")
Candidiasis that develops in the mouth or throat is called "thrush" or oropharyngeal candidiasis. The most common symptom of oral thrush is white patches or plaques on the tongue and other oral mucous membranes. This infection is uncommon among healthy adults.
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Candida species are normal inhabitants of the mouth, throat, and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract. Usually, Candida yeasts live in and on the body in small amounts and do not cause any harm. However, the use of certain medications or a weakening of the immune system can cause Candida to multiply, which may cause symptoms of infection.
Candida infections of the mouth and throat must be treated with prescription antifungal medication. The type and duration of treatment depends on the severity of the infection and patient-specific factors such as age and immune status. Untreated infections can lead to a more serious form of invasive candidiasis.
Oral candidiasis usually responds to topical treatments such as clotrimazole troches and nystatin suspension (nystatin “swish and swallow”). Systemic antifungal medication such as fluconazole or itraconazole may be necessary for oropharyngeal infections that do not respond to these treatments.
Candida esophagitis is typically treated with oral or intravenous fluconazole or oral itraconazole. For severe or azole-resistant esophageal candidiasis, treatment with amphotericin B may be necessary.
For healthcare providers: the most up-to-date clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of oropharyngeal / esophageal candidiasis are available at the Infectious Diseases Society of America.External Web Site Icon