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Pronunciations aspergillosis blastomycosis candidiasis coccidioidomycosis cryptococcosis esophagus fluconazole histoplasmosis moniliasis mucormycosis retina sporotrichosis

Candidiasis (candidosis, moniliasis, "yeast infection") is infection caused by species of Candida, especially Candida albicans.

Candida is normally present on the skin, in the intestinal tract, and—in women—in the genital region. Usually, Candida in these areas does not cause problems. Sometimes, however, the fungus can cause infection of the skin (see Fungal Skin Infections: Candidiasis) or the mucous membranes of the mouth (see Lip and Tongue Disorders: Discomfort and Periodontal Diseases: Gingivitis due to Infections) or vagina (see Vaginal Infections). Such infections can develop in people with a healthy immune system, but they are more common or persistent in people with diabetes, cancer, or AIDS and in pregnant women. Candidiasis is also common in people who are given antibiotics, because the bacteria that normally compete with Candida are killed and the fungus is able to grow unchecked.

Some people, mainly those with a weakened immune system, develop candidiasis that spreads through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Infection of the mouth (thrush or trench mouth) causes creamy, white, painful patches to form inside the mouth. Skin infections can cause a burning rash. Patches in the esophagus cause pain with swallowing.

Thrush

More serious infections, such as those in the heart valves, can cause fever, heart murmur, and enlargement of the spleen. An infection of the retina and inner parts of the eye can cause blindness. An infection of the blood (candidemia) or kidney can cause fever, very low blood pressure (shock), and a decrease in urine production.

Many candidal infections are apparent from the symptoms alone. To confirm the diagnosis, however, a doctor must identify the fungi in a skin sample under a microscope. Samples of blood or spinal fluid that have been cultured may also reveal the presence of the fungus.

Prognosis and Treatment

Candidiasis that occurs only on the skin or in the mouth or vagina can be treated with antifungal drugs that are applied directly to the affected area (for example, clotrimazoleSome Trade Names
LOTRIMIN
MYCELEX
and nystatinSome Trade Names
MYCOSTATIN
NILSTAT
). A doctor may prescribe the antifungal drug fluconazoleSome Trade Names
DIFLUCAN
to be taken by mouth.

Candidiasis that has spread throughout the body is a severe, progressive, and potentially fatal infection that is usually treated with intravenous amphotericin BSome Trade Names
FUNGIZONE
, although fluconazoleSome Trade Names
DIFLUCAN
is effective for some people. CaspofunginSome Trade Names
CANCIDAS
and voriconazoleSome Trade Names
VFEND
, drugs that are still being studied, may be useful as well.

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can worsen candidiasis. In people with diabetes, control of the blood sugar levels facilitates cure of the infection.

Last full review/revision February 2003