References:
- Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Online Network: Infectious Diseases of the Philippines, 2013 eBook Edition, ISBN 978-1-61755-582-4, by Stephen Berger. Accessed here.
| Agent | FUNGUS - Yeast. Ascomycota, Hemiascomycetes, Saccharomycetales. Candida albicans, and other species. |
| Reservoir | Human |
| Vector | None |
| Vehicle | Contact Catheter |
| Incubation Period | Variable |
| Diagnostic Tests | Culture. Serology and assays for cell-specific antigens are performed in some centers. |
| Typical Adult Therapy | Topical, oral, systemic antifungal agent depending on clinical presentation and species |
| Typical Pediatric Therapy | As for adult |
| Clinical Hints | Dermal erythema with satellite pustules; “cheesy” mucosal discharge; severe, widespread or intractable disease should suggest the possibility of underlying diabetes, AIDS or other form of immune suppression. |
| Synonyms | Candida, Candida-Mykosen, Candidiase, Candidiasi, Candidose, Monilia, Moniliasis, Salmonella, Thrush |
The clinical features of candidiasis range from localized mucosal or skin inflammation to multi-organ candidal sepsis.
Often infection represents overgrowth of Candida species following use of antimicrobial agents, or in the presence of the high mucosal glucose concentrations found in diabetics.
- Other predisposing factors include chronic intertrigo, oral contraceptive use, and cellular immune deficiency.
- Candidiasis is a common initial event in HIV-infected individuals.
- White exudative plaques may occur on the tongue or buccal mucosa (thrush), vaginal or rectal mucosa.
- Fissured, macerated lesions at the corners of the mouth (perleche) are common among individuals with poorly-fitting dentures. In fact, candidal infections have a predilection for sites that are chronically wet and macerated.
- Intertriginous lesions are edematous, erythematous, and scaly; and associated with scattered “satellite pustules.”
- The glans penis and scrotum as inner aspect of the thighs are often involved.
Systemic Candida infections may involve virtually any organ or organ system, and mimic bacterial sepsis.
- Case fatality rates for infected vascular catheters range from 26% to 38%; 33% for infected prosthetic cardiac valves; 20% to 40% for urinary catheters.