Candidiasis

Candida species cause clinical syndromes grouped as candidiasis, classified by site. Most common: mucocutaneous (oropharyngeal thrush/esophagitis/vaginitis) and invasive/deep-organ (candidemia/chronic disseminated hepatosplenic/endocarditis/endophthalmitis). Usually opportunistic.

Common Symptoms

Meningitis; vesicle; trauma; papule; pustule; pericarditis; retrosternal pain; triad; abscess

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: >190 Candida species; C. albicans most common; also C. tropicalis/parapsilosis/glabrata/krusei/pseudotropicalis/lusitaniae/guilliermondii. Dimorphic: budding yeasts (4-6 µm) and pseudohyphae. Germ tube test = C. albicans; CHROMagar. (2) Pathogenesis: intact skin/mucosa barrier; IV catheters/tracheal tubes/burns/surgery = common portals; PMNs/monocytes main defense (oxidant-dependent/independent); macrophages/lymphocytes/CMI also; T-cell defects → mucocutaneous (HIV); granulocytopenia → deep candidiasis. Pathology: yeast in stratum corneum (skin) vs microabscesses in organs; neutrophils → histiocytes/giant cells/granulomas; minimal inflammation in severe immunosuppression. PAS/GMS stains show yeasts/pseudohyphae.

Treatment

Symptomatic/supportive + pathogen-directed

Preventive Measures

Reduce catheter/monitor duration; reduce antibiotic exposure/courses; antifungal prophylaxis in neutropenics (fluconazole useful post-BMT but survival benefit unclear); broad oral imidazole prophylaxis selects resistant molds (Aspergillus/Mucor/Fusarium/C. krusei/C. glabrata) and is not cost-effective.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Infectious Diseases department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.