Candida is a genus of dimorphic, opportunistic fungi Fungi A kingdom of eukaryotic, heterotrophic organisms that live parasitically as saprobes, including mushrooms; yeasts; smuts, molds, etc. They reproduce either sexually or asexually, and have life cycles that range from simple to complex. Filamentous fungi, commonly known as molds, refer to those that grow as multicellular colonies. Mycology. Candida albicans is part of the normal human flora and is the most common cause of candidiasis. Risk factors for infection include conditions or agents that may lead to an immunocompromised immunocompromised A human or animal whose immunologic mechanism is deficient because of an immunodeficiency disorder or other disease or as the result of the administration of immunosuppressive drugs or radiation. Gastroenteritis state, disruption of the normal flora, and/or disturbance of the mucosal barrier. The clinical presentation Presentation The position or orientation of the fetus at near term or during obstetric labor, determined by its relation to the spine of the mother and the birth canal. The normal position is a vertical, cephalic presentation with the fetal vertex flexed on the neck. Normal and Abnormal Labor varies and can include localized mucocutaneous infections Infections Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms or their toxins or by parasites that can cause pathological conditions or diseases. Chronic Granulomatous Disease (e.g., oropharyngeal, esophageal, intertriginous, and vulvovaginal candidiasis) and invasive disease (e.g., candidemia, intraabdominal abscess Abscess Accumulation of purulent material in tissues, organs, or circumscribed spaces, usually associated with signs of infection. Chronic Granulomatous Disease, pericarditis Pericarditis Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, often with fluid accumulation. It can be caused by infection (often viral), myocardial infarction, drugs, malignancies, metabolic disorders, autoimmune disorders, or trauma. Acute, subacute, and chronic forms exist. Pericarditis, and meningitis Meningitis Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes of the brain, and spinal cord. The causes of meningitis are varied, with the most common being bacterial or viral infection. The classic presentation of meningitis is a triad of fever, altered mental status, and nuchal rigidity. Meningitis). The diagnosis is made by identifying Candida on KOH preparation KOH preparation Primary Skin Lesions, cultures Cultures Klebsiella, or tissue biopsy Biopsy Removal and pathologic examination of specimens from the living body. Ewing Sarcoma. Treatment depends on the extent and site of infection, and includes topical or systemic antifungal Antifungal Azoles medications
Last updated: 1 Apr, 2022
Candida albicans colony on beef extract blood agar Blood agar Nocardia/Nocardiosis
Image: “Magnification of Candida albicans” by Center for Disease Control and Prevention / Dr. Hardin. License: Public DomainPhotomicrograph of Candida albicans in the yeast Yeast A general term for single-celled rounded fungi that reproduce by budding. Brewers’ and bakers’ yeasts are saccharomyces cerevisiae; therapeutic dried yeast is yeast, dried. Mycology state
Image: “Magnification of 1200X of Candida Albicans” by Center for Disease Control and Prevention / Dr. Lucille K. Georg. License: Public DomainPhotomicrograph of Candida albicans demonstrating budding Budding Mycology yeast Yeast A general term for single-celled rounded fungi that reproduce by budding. Brewers’ and bakers’ yeasts are saccharomyces cerevisiae; therapeutic dried yeast is yeast, dried. Mycology cells and hyphae Hyphae Microscopic threadlike filaments in fungi that are filled with a layer of protoplasm. Collectively, the hyphae make up the mycelium. Mycology
Image: “Photomicrograph of a skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions scraping tissue sample” by Center for Disease Control and Prevention / Dr. Lucille K. Georg. License: Public DomainThe most clinically relevant Candida species include:
Candida albicans is part of the normal human flora, particularly:
Candidiasis is the most common opportunistic fungal infection.
General risk factors for candidiasis:
Additional risk factors for invasive disease:
This infection, commonly known as “thrush,” may present with:
Intraoral view of an individual with AIDS AIDS Chronic HIV infection and depletion of CD4 cells eventually results in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which can be diagnosed by the presence of certain opportunistic diseases called AIDS-defining conditions. These conditions include a wide spectrum of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections as well as several malignancies and generalized conditions. HIV Infection and AIDS with secondary oropharyngeal candidiasis infection
Image: “Secondary oral pseudomembraneous candidiasis infection” by Center for Disease Control ans ANS The ans is a component of the peripheral nervous system that uses both afferent (sensory) and efferent (effector) neurons, which control the functioning of the internal organs and involuntary processes via connections with the CNS. The ans consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Autonomic Nervous System: Anatomy Prevention / Sol Silverman Jr. DDS. License: Public DomainErythematous lesions at the corners of mouth due to oral candidiasis
Image: “Erythematous lesions located at the corners of the mouth” by Center for Disease Control and Prevention. License: Public DomainEsophageal candidiasis is an AIDS-defining illness that occurs in individuals with a CD4 count < 100 cells/µL.
EGD illustrates diffuse white lesions in the esophagus Esophagus The esophagus is a muscular tube-shaped organ of around 25 centimeters in length that connects the pharynx to the stomach. The organ extends from approximately the 6th cervical vertebra to the 11th thoracic vertebra and can be divided grossly into 3 parts: the cervical part, the thoracic part, and the abdominal part. Esophagus: Anatomy characteristic of Candida esophagitis Esophagitis Esophagitis is the inflammation or irritation of the esophagus. The major types of esophagitis are medication-induced, infectious, eosinophilic, corrosive, and acid reflux. Patients typically present with odynophagia, dysphagia, and retrosternal chest pain. Esophagitis.
Image: “Epigastric Distress Caused by Esophageal Candidiasis” by Chen KH, Weng MT, Chou YH, Lu YF, Hsieh CH. License: CC BY 4.0A well-demarcated, erythematous rash Rash Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever under the breasts Breasts The breasts are found on the anterior thoracic wall and consist of mammary glands surrounded by connective tissue. The mammary glands are modified apocrine sweat glands that produce milk, which serves as nutrition for infants. Breasts are rudimentary and usually nonfunctioning in men. Breasts: Anatomy due to candidiasis
Image: “Caption of candidiasis caused by Candida Albicans” by Center for Disease Control and Prevention / Dr. Martin. License: Public Domain
Speculum examination
Speculum Examination
Diagnostic Procedures in Gynecology of a woman presenting with vaginal candidiasis:
Note the thick, white discharge surrounding the
cervix
Cervix
The uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes are part of the internal female reproductive system. The most inferior portion of the uterus is the cervix, which connects the uterine cavity to the vagina. Externally, the cervix is lined by stratified squamous cells; however, the cervical canal is lined by columnar epithelium.
Uterus, Cervix, and Fallopian Tubes: Anatomy and the cervical os.
Invasive Candida infections Infections Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms or their toxins or by parasites that can cause pathological conditions or diseases. Chronic Granulomatous Disease can have a variety of presentations, including (but not limited to):
Identification Identification Defense Mechanisms of Candida organisms can be made with:
Localized mucocutaneous infections Infections Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms or their toxins or by parasites that can cause pathological conditions or diseases. Chronic Granulomatous Disease:
Invasive infection: