Candidiasis
Systemic candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by Candida spp. The most common disease causing specie is Candida albicans. Other species are C. glabrata, C. krusei, and C. tropicalis. It usually affects immunocompromised individuals. Endogenous infection originates from oropharyngeal, genitourinary or skin colonization. Candidiasis signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment have been illustrated below in detail.
Signs and Symptoms of Candidiasis
The patients present with the following signs and symptoms.
- Persistent fever
- Pink or red skin lesion
- Oral ulcers
- Retinal ‘cotton wool’ exudates
Diagnosis
A physician may ask for the blood culture along with other investigations.
- CBC — neutropenia
- Lfts — raised alkaline phosphate
- USG — multiple lesions in abdominal organs (liver, spleen or kidneys)
- Blood Culture — positive for Candida spp.
Candidiasis Treatment
Oral or IV antifungal agents are used to treat acute and chronic disseminated candidiasis. In acute cases IV fluconazole for minimum 14 days is prescribed whereas in chronic disseminated candidiasis prolonged treatment over months with Oral fluconazole or other agents such as voriconazole or amphotericin B formulations is recommended. The duration in chronic disseminated candidiasis can be reduced with adjuvant therapy with glucocorticoids.