Candida

Candida is a genus of yeasts. As of 2010, there are over 1,500 different known species of Candida.http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SEQ_NO_115=176765 Many types of Candida are endosymbiotic, which means that they live inside of or on animal and human hosts. Of these endosymbiotic varieties of Candida yeast, most species are commensal, forming a beneficial relationship for both the host and the yeast. Many types of Candida are present within the human body, but only a few identified types have been found to lead to infection. http://www.mycologia.org/cgi/content/full/98/6/1006?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&minscore=5000&resourcetype=HWCIT

Candida albicans is one of the species of Candida that is known to lead to infections. Candida albicans can be found in nearly all humans, but certain physiological conditions can lead to an overgrowth of this type of yeast. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1567-1364.2007.00320.x/full Yeast infections caused by Candida albicans in the human body are referred to as candidiasis. In the mouth, candidiasis is commonly referred to as oral thrush, or oropharyngeal candidiasis. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/oral-thrush/DS00408 Vulvovaginal candidiasis can also occur, and is most commonly referred to as a vaginal yeast infection. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/yeast-infection/DS01182

Candida albicans normally grows in the intestines of humans and animal species. Medications that lead to increased growth of Candida albicans in the human body include antibiotics and antacids. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/candidiasis_yeast_infection/article_em.htm Candida albicans infections can also affect the bloodstream and the skin.http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=38183 People with compromised immune systems and autoimmune disorders are more prone to Candida albicans infections, as are people who have recently been hospitalized. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1091928-overview In people with AIDS or HIV, candidiasis can be very dangerous and sometimes even fatal.http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/TUTORIAL/AIDS/AIDS.html

Since several species of Candida yeast are normally present within the human body, there are no symptoms unless there is an overgrowth of Candida albicans or other detrimental species of Candida. Symptoms of candidiasis vary greatly, and are often experienced differently in each person. Vaginal yeast infections can be identified by itching and a white, sometimes chunky, vaginal discharge. Oral thrush is recognized by white patches present on the tongue or inside of the mouth. Gum pain or mouth sores may also be present. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/candidiasis_yeast_infection/page2_em.htm

In other types of Candida infections, symptoms may be more difficult to distinguish from other conditions. Known symptoms include gastrointestinal irritation, skin rashes, hay fever, flatulence, and the inability to concentrate. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA125503

When levels of Candida fungi in the body are within normal range, there is no need for treatment. For Candida infections, one of the most common forms of treatment is the use of antifungals. http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/312/main.html#TreatmentofCandidaAlbicans Candida infections are usually treated at home.Topical antifungals can be used for vaginal yeast infections and skin infections. In babies and small children, a topical antifungal is also prescribed for oral thrush. Antifungals are also available as tablets for adults and those with invasive Candida infections. During the course of treatment, doctors recommend avoiding prescription antibiotics and foods that are high in sugar or yeast. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001511.htm

Some alternative health practitioners recommend the use of probiotics in treating candidiasis. Saccharomyces boulardii is one probiotic that has been found to decrease the growth of Candida albicans species within the human body. http://www.optibacprobiotics.co.uk/images/ducluzeau_&_bensaada_(1982)_comparative_effect_of_a_single_or_continuous_administration_of_saccharomyces_boulardii_on_establishment_of_candida_in_mice_www.optibacprobiotics.co.uk.pdf

The content of this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.