Candida albicans
is a
yeastlike fungus that is a natural
inhabitant of specific areas of the body.
Candida can be found in skin tissues, gastrointestinal
(GI) tract, female genital tract,
mouth, and throat. However, when certain
conditions weaken the immune
system, an overgrowth of
Candida albicans may
occur. This overgrowth
often results in an infection known as Candidiasis.
Candidiasis most commonly
results from prolonged antibiotics
use, which suppresses the immune
system and the normal intestinal
bacteria which prevent yeast
overgrowth. Other risk factors that
increase the chances of developing candidiasis include recent surgery,
extensive burns, intravenous drugs,
long-term urinary catheters or
intravenous catheters,
corticosteroid drugs, chemotherapy,
nutrient deficiencies, and poor
diet. Candidiasis can affect nearly every system of
the body. Locations of possible
infection include:
-
oropharyngeal
candidiasis (thrush)
-
GI candidiasis
(infection of the gastrointestinal
tract)
-
vaginal candidiasis
(yeast infection)
-
esophageal
candidiasis (throat infection)
-
chronic
mucocutaneous candidiasis
(infection of the skin, nails, and
mucous membranes)
-
disseminated
candidiasis (infection throughout
the body)
Candidiasis
affects women more frequently than
men. Candidiasis can also occur in
infants. The infected mother
passes on the existing infection to her
newborn. Also, persons
with reduced immunity, cancer, or diabetes
mellitus, can spread the fungus
through the bloodstream. It
may then transport into deeper, more
sensitive tissues, and cause
possible
life-threatening infections.
Individuals suffering
from chronic candidiasis will
continually suffer from this complex
medical syndrome. As
mentioned, this condition may result
in a multitude of adverse reactions
in the many vital tissues located
throughout the body.
The general
symptoms of candidiasis may
include:
-
Chronic fatigue
-
Loss of energy
-
General malaise
-
Decreased libido
If oropharyngeal
candidiasis is present, symptoms
may include:
If GI candidiasis
is present, symptoms may include:
-
Bloating / Gas
-
Intestinal cramps
-
Rectal itching
-
Altered bowel
function
If vaginal
candidiasis is present, symptoms
may include:
If esophageal
candidiasis is present, symptoms
may include:
-
Painful swallowing
-
Difficulty
swallowing
-
Chest pain
If chronic
mucocutaneous candidiasis is
present, symptoms may include:
-
Skin rash with
itchy red patches and small red
bumps (such as infant's diaper
rash)
-
Fingernail or
toenail fungus
-
Disseminated
candidiasis symptoms can be
life-threatening and may include;
fever and chills, rapid breathing
and hear rate, lowering in
systolic blood pressure, and the
progression of an underlying
disorder, such as AIDS or advanced
cancer.
According to the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC),
Division of Bacterial and Mycotic
Disease (1,
2):
-
An estimated 8
cases per
100,000 persons within the general population will
contract some form of candidiasis.
-
Candidiasis
represents the
fourth most common cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections.
-
There is nearly a 50%
mortality rate of those with
bloodstream and disseminated
Candidasis.
-
About 75% of all
women will have at least one
genital yeast infection (VVC) in their
lifetime.
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