Candidiasis is a fungal infection that is caused by excessive amounts of certain species of Candida yeast. Candida is a fungus that is naturally-occurring in the human body. Over 150 different species of Candida have been identified. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?mode=Info&id=5476&lvl=3&lin=f&keep=1&srchmode=1&unlock Candida has been found to flourish in the human intestinal tract, but can be found in other parts of the body as well. Candidiasis most commonly affects the mouth and vaginal area, but can enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.

Candida albicans is a species of Candida yeast that is responsible for the majority of all candidiasis cases. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/781215-overview However, there have been five other identified species of Candida known to cause candidiasis in some parts of the body. Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, and Candida parapsilosis can also lead to candidiasis in people with compromised immune systems or autoimmune diseases. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch120/ch120b.html Candida dubliniensis was discovered to lead to candidiasis in this same group of people in the late 1990s. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol6no1/brandt.htm

Candidiasis is caused by an alteration of the naturally-occurring flora of the gut. There are several different kinds of bacteria that normally live in the human intestinal tract. These bacteria not only aid in digestion and the processing of wastes, but they also help to regulate the growth of Candida fungi. Populations of these beneficial types of bacteria can be altered during the course of antibiotic or corticosteroid treatments, which are the leading causes of candidiasis. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/candidiasis-000030.htm People with compromised immune systems and T-cell disorders may also have decreased levels of these naturally-occurring bacteria in the intestinal tract.

Those with diabetes, women who are pregnant, and people with certain kinds of endocrine disorders may also be at a higher risk for developing candidiasis. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/candidiasis-yeast-infection Candidiasis of the skin is worsened by poor hygiene. Hot weather, increased sweating, restrictive clothing, and infrequent diaper changes in babies can all lead to topical Candidiasis outbreaks. Those who are obese are more likely to develop candidiasis on abdominal folds and parts of the body where the skin overlaps. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch120/ch120b.html

Since Candida is a living organism, it is possible to transmit candidiasis from one person to another. Vaginal candidiasis can be spread through sexual intercourse and other forms of sexual contact. Candidiasis can also affect the male genitals. People who have been hospitalized, incarcerated, or in a nursing home are also at increased risk for candidiasis. Candida albicans and other forms of Candida yeast are frequently found in public showers, public toilets, gyms, and locker rooms. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/candidiasis/index.html#whatic

Symptoms of candidiasis vary according to the particular area of the body affected. Oral thrush is the most widely used term for oropharyngeal candidiasis. This is a Candida infection of the mouth. Oral thrush is commonly found in babies and young children, but it can occur in teens and adults as well. Symptoms of oral thrush include white patches on the tongue or inside of the mouth, mouth sores, gum pain, and redness. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/candidiasis/index.html#whatic

A vaginal yeast infection is also a form of candidiasis. Yeast infections can affect both the vagina and the vulva. Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include vaginal itching, burning, and a white vaginal discharge. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/yeast-infection/DS01182/METHOD=print Vaginal discharge associated with this type of yeast infection may appear clumpy, with a “cottage cheese” texture. In men, genital candidiasis may include itching and a rash on the outside of the penis.

Candidiasis of the skin is sometimes mistaken for psoriasis, eczema, or other skin conditions. Recognizable symptoms of candidiasis of the skin are itching and an apparent skin rash. In rare cases, candidiasis can also affect the eyes and the nails of toes and fingers.

Invasive candidiasis is a severe form of fungal infection that occurs when Candida fungi enter the bloodstream and are spread to other parts of the body. Invasive candidiasis affects people with severely compromised immune systems. People with AIDS, HIV, and other types of immunological and autoimmune diseases are the most at-risk for developing this form of candidiasis. In these groups of people, candidiasis is serious and sometimes life-threatening. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/candidiasis/index.html#whatic

There are no specific symptoms of invasive candidiasis. Fever or chills commonly occur and may not subside or respond to other treatments. Symptoms will vary depending upon the bodily organs affected.

The most common form of treatment for candidiasis is an antifungal. Topical creams exist for treating Candida infections on the skin. Vaginal creams and inserts like miconazole and fluconazole are available for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000152 These types of treatments are usually sold as three-day, five-day, and seven-day treatments. Nystatin is an antifungal that can be applied to the tongue and other parts of the mouth for treating thrush. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000767 In some cases, a prescription antifungal may be prescribed. Holistic treatments for Candidiasis involve the use of probiotics, vitamin C, B-Complex vitamins, and the avoidance of antibiotics and corticosteroid treatments. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/candidiasis-000030.htm

Natural bacteria that are found in yogurt are often recommended by both doctors and alternative medicine practitioners. Doctors also advise to reduce consumption of sugar and carbohydrates during the course of treatment for candidiasis so as to reduce the introduction of new fungi and fungal reproduction of existing Candida species. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/candidiasis-000030.htm

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