Candidiasis Basics

Overview

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida, a fungal yeast. Everyone has Candida on their skin and in body parts, like the mouth, throat, and vagina. Most of the time it does not cause any symptoms.

Candidiasis occurs when Candida grows out of control. Infections can occur in different parts of the body and cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Vaginal candidiasis, often referred to as a vaginal yeast infection, is one of the most common fungal infections. Severe infections of the blood or internal organs, called invasive candidiasis, can occur in people with certain risk factors. Not everyone is at risk for invasive candidiasis.

Types and strains

Types of infection

Types of infections include:

• Vaginal candidiasis, often referred to as vaginal yeast infection
• Infections of the mouth or throat, also called thrush.
• Candidiasis of the esophagus (tube leading from the throat into the gut)
• Skin infections

Invasive candidiasis is the most severe type of infection and can affect hospitalized patients and injection drug users. It occurs when Candida infects the internal organs, like the kidney or brain. Invasive infections that travel through the bloodstream are known as candidemia.

Species

Many types (species) of Candida live on the skin and in parts of the body and normally do not cause any health effects. The most common species that can overgrow and cause candidiasis are: Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei.

Symptoms

Symptoms of candidiasis depend on the part of the body that is infected.

Some examples of types of infection and symptoms include:

• Vaginal yeast infection -vaginal itching, soreness, and discharge.
• Thrush- white patches, redness or soreness.
• Candidiasis in the esophagus - pain and difficulty swallowing.
• Skin infections- itching or burning rash with skin breakdown.
• Invasive candidiasis- fever and chills are common.
  • Symptoms depend on which organs are affected or whether the bloodstream is infected (candidemia).
  • People who get invasive candidiasis are already sick making it hard to determine symptoms.

Risk factors

People with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for all types of candidiasis. Other risk factors depend on the type of infection.

*^{Invasive candidiasis is not considered a risk for people without these risk factors. Invasive devices include catheters, central lines, ventilators.}

Treatment and recovery

Candidiasis can be treated with different types of antifungal medications. Antifungal medications come in different forms: topical (creams, lozenges, oral rinses), pills, or intravenous solutions (taken through the vein). The type, dose, and length of antifungal treatment depend on the type and severity of infection and underlying health conditions.