Candidiasis
Candidiasis is infection by Candida yeasts, usually a superficial mucocutaneous infection but occasionally invasive candidaemia; the key clinical task is to distinguish symptomatic disease from colonisation and match treatment to site, host, species, susceptibility and pregnancy status.
Definition
Candidiasis is infection caused by yeasts in the Candida group, most commonly Candida albicans. It ranges from symptomatic mucocutaneous disease of the mouth, oesophagus, genital tract or skin folds to invasive infection involving the bloodstream or deep organs. Candida is often a commensal, so culture alone does not distinguish colonisation from disease.
First principles
Candida is usually a commensal
Candida can colonise skin and mucosal surfaces without causing disease. Symptoms and tissue invasion arise when local barriers, competing flora or host immunity are disrupted, for example by antibiotics, diabetes, immunosuppression, chemotherapy, inhaled corticosteroids, dentures or indwelling devices.
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