Overview
Candida is a genus of yeast-like fungi that form part of the normal flora of the skin, mouth, intestinal tract, and vagina, but can cause infection which is termed ‘Candidiasis’.
Candida albicans is the most common cause of infection (>90%) and its presence in a blood culture should raise suspicion of infection. It should not be assumed to be due to contamination. Infection is more likely in people with immunosuppression, such as HIV and immunodeficiencies, or drugs including corticosteroids.
Associations
Candida is associated with:
- Thrush (oral candidiasis) – white, creamy patches on the tongue/oral mucosa that can be scraped off, leaving behind painful bleeding:
- Associated with immunodeficiency and inhaled corticosteroid use
- Oesophageal candidiasis – mostly seen in people with HIV and can cause dysphagia, odynophagia, and retrosternal chest pain
- Vaginal candidiasis – Candida albicans is the most common cause of vaginitis and most women experience at least one episode during their lifetime. It is characterised by vaginal pruritus and thick, white, ‘cottage-cheese-like’ discharge
- Risk factors include diabetes mellitus, recent antibiotic use, and pregnancy
- Nappy rash – in infants, an erythematous groin rash involving the flexures with satellite lesions may be present
