The skin is where candidiasis, an infection brought on by the bacterium Candida albicans, most frequently manifests itself. A yeast infection is what is known as candidiasis, and candida is a form of yeast or fungus. More than 20 different forms of Candida can exist in our bodies without producing any issues. However, the fungus can grow and spread illnesses in warm, humid environments. Some of them, like v*ginal thrush or diaper rash, are innocuous but bothersome, while others, like infections that spread throughout the entire body, can be fatal, especially in people with compromised immune systems. Adults are susceptible to developing yeast infections in their breasts and other skin creases.
Affecting areas of Candida
Types of candidiasis
Oral candidiasis or Esophagitis: Candidiasis that occurs in the mouth is a mycosis of Candida species present in the mucous membrane of the mouth.
Vaginal candidiasis: Candidiasis in the v*gina is commonly called a v*ginal yeast infection or v*ginal thrust.
Nail candidiasis: When the nails become thick, swollen and tender, split, become dull, and may fall off.
Armpit candida: when candida species affects the skin under armpit eventually skin turns red and can be little raw.
Pathogenesis of candidiasis
albicans containing various known virulence factors which help in the spreading of infections in the human being and favors its pathogenicity.
The virulence factors of the albicans have the great role in the pseudohyphae formation by attached with epithelial cells (in respiratory tract), endothelial cells (in blood vessels), hyphal switching, surface recognition molecules, phenotypic switching and extracellular hydrolytic enzyme i.e. proteinase and phospholipase production have been suggested to be virulence attributes for Candida.
Pathogenesis of candidiasis
Extracellular hydrolytic enzymes seem to play an important role in candida overgrowth, as these enzymes facilitate adherence and tissue penetration and hence the invasion of the host, among the most important hydrolytic enzymes produced by Candida are phospholipases and secreted aspartyl proteinases.
Due to their virulence factors like adhesions property, the colonization of the Candida is take place in superficial tissue (local site) or it invades the deeper into the host tissue in yeast form but they transformed into the hyphal form during active infection.
Epidemiology
Although albicans is the most common cause of candidemia, there has been the increased isolation of non-albicans species of Candida in recent years.
In a multi-center surveillance study conducted in the United States between 2004 and 2008, 54% of 2019 bloodstream isolates represented non-albicans Candida spp and 46% represented albicans.
Causes of candidiasis
Yeast overgrowth can be triggered by:
Antibiotics
Steroids
Contraceptive pills
Catheters and IV drips
Pregnancy
Menstruation
Sperm
Diabetes
Risk factors
Patients who have a central venous catheter
When consumed with broad-spectrum antibiotics
Very low neutrophil in blood
People who experience kidney failure or undergoing hemodialysis
People who underwent surgery, especially gastrointestinal surgery
Eating a diet high in sugar and refined carbs
High alcohol intake
A weakened immune system
Taking oral contraceptives
High-stress levels
Symptoms of candidiasis
Oral Thrush
Tiredness and Fatigue
Recurring Genital or Urinary Tract Infections
Digestive Issues
Sinus Infections
Skin and Nail Fungal Infections
Joint Pain
Complications due to candidiasis
Depression
Psychosexual problems
Male thrush- If a candidiasis woman is having sexual contact with their partner male thrush arises.
If v*ginal candidiasis is left untreated, it can cause vaginitis, which is an inflammation of the v*gina
Fungal infections- The most common fungal infection that can occur is tinea (ringworm)
Diagnosis and test
Lab Tests
Vaginal yeast infections: V*ginal yeast infections can be treated with antifungal medications such as butoconazole (Femstat), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat, Vagistat, and others), nystatin (Mycostatin and others), and tioconazole (Monistat-1, Vagistat-1). A single dose of oral fluconazole can be used. Sex partners usually do not need to be treated.
Deep candidiasis: This infection usually starts with an intravenous anti-fungal drug, such as voriconazole or fluconazole. People with very low white blood cell counts may need an alternative intravenous anti-fungal drug, such as caspofungin or micafungin.
Prevention
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and non-fat dairy products.
Control diabetes: Good control of blood sugar levels decreases the risk of yeast infections anywhere on your body.
Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics.: A stool analysis starts with sample collection. At the lab, your stool will be analyzed for levels of yeast, pathogenic bacteria, and friendly bacteria. Especially the Candida albicans and several other pathogenic microorganisms are witnessed. Also examining for pH, inflammation markers, and conducting a thorough evaluation of your gut health and digestive processes.
Candida Antibodies Test: Our immune system produces three different types of antibodies in response to a Candida infestation. These are the IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies. The levels of each of these antibodies indirectly signify the Candida overgrowth or have been present in the recent past.
Organic Acid Test: Candida overgrowth leaves evidence is your urine. There are certain organic waste products created by Candida albicans that are not naturally found in your body. By looking for these waste products in your urine, it is possible to evaluate whether there is an imbalance in the gut and to guess at which pathogenic organisms might be causing it.
The Spittle Test: Here’s a simple test that some people claim will diagnose your Candida overgrowth.
When you get up in the morning, and before you brush your teeth, eat or drink anything, fill a glass with bottled water at room temperature.
Spit some saliva gently into the glass.
Come back every 20 minutes for the next hour and check for some of these ‘tell-tale signs’ of Candida:
Strings’ coming down through the water from the saliva at the top
Cloudy saliva sitting at the bottom of the glass
Opaque specks of saliva suspended in the water
Gastrointestinal candidiasis
Endoscopy with or without biopsy is necessary to establish the diagnosis.
Treatment and medications
Treatment of candidiasis varies, depending on the area affected:
Thrush – Usually treated with topical, antifungal medications such as nystatin (Mycostatin and others) and clotrimazole.
Esophagitis – it can be treated with an oral anti-fungal drug such as fluconazole.
Cutaneous candidiasis – This skin infection can be effectively treated with a variety of antifungal powders and creams. The affected area must be kept clean and dry and protected from chafing.
Antifungal drugs such as butoconazole (Femstat), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat, Vagistat, and others), nystatin (Mycostatin, and others), and tioconazole can be used to treat v*ginal yeast infections (Monistat-1, Vagistat-1). Fluconazole can be taken orally in a single dose. Typically, sexual partners don't need to be treated.
Deep candidiasis: Fluconazole or voriconazole, two antifungal medications administered intravenously, are typically the first to cause this infection. An alternate intravenous anti-fungal medication, such as caspofungin or micafungin, may be required for people with extremely low white blood cell counts.
Prevention
Consume a diet that is well-balanced and full of fresh produce, healthy grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Diabetes management: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels lowers your risk of developing yeast infections anyplace on your body.
Take care not to overuse antibiotics.