Candidiasis

At a Glance

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast called Candida that occurs in various parts of the body.

Representative forms include oral candidiasis, esophageal infection, vaginal candidiasis, skin infection, and bloodstream infection.

How the Disease Works

Infection can occur when the immune system fails to sufficiently suppress Candida or when the balance is disrupted due to disease or antibiotic use.

Candida can exist both inside and outside the body, and when immune regulation weakens, it can proliferate and cause different problems depending on the site of infection.

Patterns Vary by Person

Immunosuppression, diabetes, recent antibiotic use, pregnancy, and a moist skin environment, etc., can affect the risk of infection and the pattern of symptoms.

Broad framework of diagnosis and management

Symptoms vary depending on the site of infection, such as white patches, itching and rash, or pain or difficulty when swallowing, and bloodstream infections can be life-threatening.

Diagnosis is performed after evaluating symptoms and the site of infection, combining discharge, tissue, or blood tests as necessary.

Current stage of treatment

The mere fact that Candida was detected in a specimen does not confirm an actual infection or the need for treatment; colonization status and clinical symptoms must be interpreted together.

Management is carried out by evaluating the site and severity of infection, immune status, and triggers, followed by a combination of appropriate antifungal treatment and control of risk factors.

Antifungals are used for the primary treatment of candidiasis, but treatment may be more difficult in individuals with weakened immune function.

How to read clinical trials

In follow-up observations, symptoms, test results, and the occurrence of recurrence are monitored together, and effectiveness, approval, or status as standard care should not be determined solely by the enrollment or completion of clinical trials.

Points to verify in clinical encounters

In clinical practice, it is important to check the site of infection, the onset of symptoms, recent use of antibiotics or steroids, immunocompromising diseases, pregnancy status, history of recurrence, and medications currently being taken.